344 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether better rehabilitation planning and service availability is urgently needed for persons with the acquired brain injury advocacy association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11780/07]

My Department is currently examining the development of a rehabilitation action plan for people with disabilities including those with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

In the last two years the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the voluntary sector funded by the HSE, have undertaken specific actions in regard to service provision for people with ABI, such as the expansion of neurological services and the planned development of the rehabilitation capacity in the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital. The issue of ABI, and service planning and provision for people with ABI has been, and continues to be a matter for discussion and examination between my Department and the HSE.

Elements of the Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.