Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 9

Written Answers. - Cochlear Implants.

Austin Currie

Question:

217 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health the number of deaf people who have obtained cochlear implant treatment; the number of those who have received assistance towards the cost of the operation from public funds; the amount of such assistance; the locations where the operations were carried out; his views on the establishment of a cochlear implant unit in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Four people have received cochlear implants with assistance from the health boards over the past two years. These implants have been carried out in Belfast City Hospital, the Manchester Royal Infirmary and University Hospital, Nottingham, at an average cost of approximately £25,000. I have asked my Department to examine the feasibility of establishing a cochlear unit in this country.