Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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523. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to help persons with multiple sclerosis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24574/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Health and personal social services for people with a neurological illness or injury, including people with Multiple Sclerosis, are provided across a range of settings, by different organisations and by many health professionals and carers. Services include acute hospitals, specialist services at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, primary care, community services, long-term assisted living supports and rehabilitative training services.

The Health Service Executive's (HSE's) National Service Plan for 2017 contains a priority to finalise and progress implementation of the framework for the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy. Full implementation of the Strategy will, of necessity, be a longer term project. The Department of Health has agreed with the HSE that the focus initially will be on implementation of the Strategy in the community, which is in keeping with the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment. The HSE has committed to undertake a mapping and gap identification exercise for the country as a whole, in order to establish a clear picture of where specialist rehabilitation services are currently being delivered and where the demands are for these services. The HSE's Social Care Division and the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme will work together to form an action plan, under the HSE's Clinical Strategy and Programme Division. A National Steering Group made up of stakeholders representing all interested parties will be responsible for the governance and implementation of the action plan.

With regard to Home Support, in 2017 the HSE is committed to the provision of 2.75 million Home Support Hours to people with disabilities, which is an increase of 150,000 hours over the target for 2016 of 2.6 million hours.

I am conscious of the impact of long waiting times on people's lives. Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. The National Clinical Programme for Neurology (NCPN) Model of Care document recommends an increase in the number of consultant neurologists, nurse specialists, including clinical nurse specialist, and other health care professionals which would address waiting time issues. The programme also proposed implementation of these recommendations over a period of 5 years. This will significantly improve access for all Neurology patients. The Model of Care was launched by the Director General of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the 27 September 2016 and the HSE is now working towards its implementation.

With regard to the Deputy's question regarding employment supports, the Department of Social Protection operates a number of specific schemes to promote employment of people with disabilities, including the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Employability Service and the Workplace Equipment and Adaptation Grant. Social welfare payments such as the Disability Allowance or the Partial Capacity Benefit may also be applicable, depending on an individual's circumstances.