Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland has today launched its Pre-Budget Submission 2026, urging the Government to invest €2 million to develop a national, specialist brain injury case management service that will support survivors of brain injury to navigate their journey from hospital to home, and into the community.

This targeted investment would directly support the implementation of Programme for Government commitments to prevent inappropriate nursing home placements for younger people and to expand community-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation services across each Regional Health Area.

At the heart of the proposal is the expansion of a proven model of person-centred rehabilitation, which provides survivors and their families with a single point of contact — a dedicated, specialist Brain Injury Case Manager — to coordinate services, offer guidance, and help build a sustainable path to recovery.

Dr Karen Foley, Chief Executive of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, emphasised the transformative potential of this investment:

“Specialist Brain Injury Case Managers are essential to delivering truly integrated care. They act as the bridge between acute hospitals, rehabilitation services, and community supports, making sure that no one with a brain injury is left to face their recovery alone. Crucially, this initiative supports Ireland’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which affirms the right of every person to access timely, appropriate rehabilitation.”

Currently, access to specialist brain injury case management is limited by geography – it is, in essence, an Eircode lottery. The call for €2 million investment in budget 2026 would support the creation of 20 new Brain Injury Case Manager roles, delivering nationwide access to vital supports that help survivors and their families to rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Dr Foley continued:

“At Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, we can demonstrate the success of a case management approach. Our person-centred model has consistently delivered life-changing outcomes, enabling people to live with greater independence and dignity. It also frees up much needed hospital and inpatient rehabilitation beds by getting people back to the community in a timely way. We are committed to working in partnership with the HSE, Government and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality — so that every person with a brain injury has the chance to rebuild their life, as close to home as possible.”

One such success story is Tony Baker, who suffered a brain injury as a result of a stroke two years ago. After months in acute and rehabilitation hospitals, he found himself isolated and overwhelmed upon returning home.

“That’s when I met Kate — a Brain Injury Case Manager from Acquired Brain Injury Ireland”, explained Tony.

“She understood what I was going through and helped with everything — finding a psychologist, applying for equipment for the house, paperwork — and she encouraged me to go to the ABI Ireland Clubhouse in Navan. I met others who had had similar experiences to me, I got support, I started to feel like myself again. And I know I have this continued support available when I need it.”

The Pre-Budget Submission also responds to the findings of the Ombudsman’s 2021 ‘Wasted Lives’ report, which highlighted that some 1,300 people under the age of 65 were living inappropriately in nursing homes, due to a lack of alternative available supports and services in the community. Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s case management model has already enabled dozens of people to transition to more appropriate, supported living environments and demonstrated the long-term benefits of community-based rehabilitation.