While the pay and conditions of staff are incredibly important, the physical buildings in which they operate are also important. While I particularly welcome the building blocks programme which was an important initiative, the Minister and I know the limitations of that. We could do with a few more bob from the Department of public expenditure - if it was giving it to the Minister - but also for the cap on it. Unfortunately, in Dublin, the €750,000 cap prevents some of the really good, experienced, community-led childcare programmes from expanding. I ask the Minister to continue to do all she can in this area in providing more capital funding, as well the pay and conditions for staff.

Sentiment score: 0.31

83. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for plans and an indicative timeline of implementation for a community neuro-rehabilitation team for the treatment of neurological patients in north Dublin, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32453/25]

Sentiment score: 0.10

I recently met with the Neurological Alliance of Ireland who raised a number of questions with me. They were specifically interested in the programme for Government commitment, which seeks to put in place community neuro-rehabilitation teams. I was particularly concerned when they alerted me to the fact that north Dublin, the area that covers my constituency, does not currently have a community neuro-rehabilitation team. Will the Minister update the House on the matter?

Sentiment score: 0.19

I agree with the Minister of State that these services are incredibly important. The multidisciplinary nature of the teams provides intensive neuro-rehabilitation at critical times and they assist with acute hospital discharges. Studies have shown that, on average, they save up to three days per patient, but they are also a critical intervention. Any multidisciplinary approach to patients can improve patient outcomes. I was pleased to see the additional four areas, particularly in south and west Dublin, being allocated. This is a need across the country. While I am a TD for my constituency, I recognise that this is a new area of care and one the Government wants to implement and it is being done on a phased basis. I would not be happy if, in the coming 12 months, after this year, no provision had been made for Dublin north and east. It is crucial we put that in place. I ask the Minister of State to do all in her power as part of the budgetary process to attract funding for it.

Sentiment score: 0.11

I encourage the Minister of State to engage with the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. It is a strong organisation. I know the Minister of State has met its representatives. Tomorrow she will visit my constituency and a member organisation of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, An Síol, which deals with longer term treatments. It is keen to get a permanent home. It has identified a site with Dublin City Council. In the HSE capital plan, money has been put in place to do the feasibility study for that. The director is a fantastic man. He is originally from Germany and he does not understand Irish bureaucracy. He wants it to happen now because of the patients. I look forward to engaging with the Minister of State on that issue too, which is part of the broader spectrum of support for people with acquired brain injuries, strokes, Parkinson's disease and so on.

Sentiment score: 0.25