Written answers

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Department of Health

Neuro-Rehabilitation Services Provision

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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317. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the introduction of brain injury identity cards here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11623/19]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy for his question and for his interest in the matter.

I am pleased to note that on 20 February, the HSE published the Implementation Framework of the National Strategy & Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland. This was the culmination of the work of the National Steering Group established in 2017, and I thank them for their work. The Steering Group included representation from stakeholder groups including the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. The ultimate goal is to put in place a national framework of acute, in-patient and community based specialist rehabilitation services.

The Health Service Executive provides specialist services for people with a variety of disabilities, including those with Acquired Brain Injury, either directly or through service agreements with appropriate organisations. I am familiar with the cards that the deputy is referring to. Brain Injury Identity cards are a means for people with an Acquired Brain Injury to communicate; the cards are intended to inform others, so that they can better assist the person as they go about their daily lives.

Any decision to introduce Brain Injury Identity Cards would be a matter for the HSE to consider in the context of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Implementation framework and the actions arising from it.

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