ABII CEO and Co-Founder Barbara O’Connell said the level of funding and where it will be applied would be clarified with the HSE and Department of Health in the coming period, but the commitment was a positive development for brain injury survivors and their families.

A statement by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Anne Rabbitte said the funding would continue the roll-out of the Neuro Rehabilitation Strategy providing two additional teams, adding to those in CHO 6 and CHO 7.

Minister Rabbitte said: “These teams will serve patients with complex presentations who do not require inpatient facilities and those who need to transition from hospital to home.”

Ms O’Connell said resourcing effective management of acquired brain injury cases in CHO areas has the potential to both improve outcomes for survivors and save cost to the State, as people have access to a rehabilitation pathway and health service resources can be freed up.

However, she said there remains a lot more to be done to meet the needs of so many people with acquired brain injury and their families.

“The Ombudsman urgently called on government to address this and to support these people towards rehabilitation and regaining their independence.

“ABII has expertise at delivering this and has made a proposal to Government that it would take the lead, and work with the HSE during 2023, to support 90 people on a rehabilitation pathway towards living independently in the community.”

“We hope we can have meaningful discussions with Minister Rabbitte, the Department of Health and the HSE on this plan in 2023 and its further development into the future.”

Every year in Ireland an estimated 19,000 people acquire a brain injury, resulting in life-altering, dramatic change. These injuries happen suddenly and are often traumatic, caused by road traffic accidents, stroke, assaults, concussion, falls, and viral infections like meningitis. Each brain injury is entirely unique and requires a tailor-made, individual rehabilitation plan.

Supported by ongoing funding from the HSE, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland is working to rebuild lives after brain injury. As Ireland’s leading provider of community rehabilitation for those aged 18-65, the organisation delivers person-centred rehabilitation to an estimated 1,100 people annually, as well as support to their families and carers.