asked the Minister for Health if his Department is considering the provision of funding to enable the Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, to carry out operations to implant the cochlear implant device which can assist people who are profoundly deaf; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Ear Implant Operations.
4.
My Department have had discussions with representatives of the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital concerning a proposal to commence cochlear ear implant operations in that hospital on a trial basis. I am considering the proposal at present particularly as regards the financial implications involved.
How many people with hearing defects could benefit from this device? Have the Minister's Department made an assessment of that? Can he indicate when a decision is likely to be taken regarding funding from his Department?
I am anxious to facilitate the hospital. It is accepted in the Department of Health that only a very small number of patients would benefit from or be suitable for this operation. The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital have agreed to participate in the programme and have indicated that no additional revenue implications will be involved.
The programme will be undertaken on an investigative and research basis initially, on a trial basis, and the team carrying out the procedures will form part of a group of teams throughout Europe involved in this area. I am prepared to make available to the hospital some capital moneys to purchase four devices required to carry out the implant operations. I think it will benefit a small number of post-lingually profound deaf adult patients by putting them in touch with environmental sounds.