Neurological rehabilitation centre Bray
Deputy Whitmore asked for a derogation to fill stalled posts at the planned Bray neurological rehabilitation centre. The Taoiseach said he would speak to the Minister for Health and reply directly.
I want to raise the issue of the neurological rehabilitation centre that is planned for Bray. This was first promised in 2018. In July of 2023, a team of 13 specialists were identified. The recruitment process was to start for them and then it all came to a stall because of the recruitment freeze. If a derogation is applied to that centre, those jobs and positions can be filled. I previously raised this with the Tánaiste in March to see whether we could get a derogation on that. The Minister for Health was to refer back to me, but I did not hear anything from him. Will the Taoiseach now take up this mantle and make sure those positions are filled? It is a very important centre for Bray and, indeed, for the entire community healthcare organisation, CHO, area.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Whitmore very much for raising this important issue for Bray and, as she quite rightly said, the wider catchment area it serves. Neurological rehabilitation services are vital, and we need more of them. We need them in communities. It is an important part of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, NRH, jigsaw as well. I will certainly speak with the Minister for Health and come back directly to the Deputy.