262 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has commenced work on a national dementia strategy; the date this strategy will be completed; the estimated cost to implement this strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3937/11]

The Department of Health & Children has started the process of developing a policy on dementia that will support the delivery of long-term care services having regard to future demographic trends and the consequential increase in demand for long-term care. This policy will be developed on the basis of the best evidence available from national and international sources.

Officials in the Department have engaged with relevant stakeholder groups on the first stage of the process which is to assemble a report containing the research and evidence upon which the policy will be developed. I expect to receive this in 2011, at which stage work on the policy will formally commence.

263 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the national rehabilitation strategy; when this strategy will be published; when an implementation plan will be agreed; if it forms part of the Health Service Executive Service plan for 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3938/11]

The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive (HSE) established a Working Group to develop a national policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services. Its terms of reference include the development of an appropriate policy framework for neuro-rehabilitation and a preferred model of care for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services.

The Group has now completed its work. It is hoped to formally publish the report in the coming months.

The HSE National Service Plan for 2011 includes a commitment appoint a national clinical lead, develop an implementation plan and an implementation structure for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services.