Vol. 451 No. 5
98 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a grant for a cochlear implant to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in view of the fact that this facility is not available in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6948/95]
Limerick East): The provision of services for patients in County Tipperary, (South Riding) is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board in the first instance. However, I have made inquiries of the board in this matter and have been informed that in April 1993 the person in question was granted approval to have treatment carried out in the United Kingdom which procedure was carried out in June 1993.
If the person in question requires further attention it is open to that person to contact his/her general practitioner who will be in the best position to discuss the case with the consultant concerned.
A sum of £100,000 was provided by the Department towards the establishment of a Cochlear Implant Unit at Beaumont Hospital in 1994 and additional funding of £175,000 has been provided in 1995.
I understand that the first cochlear implant procedure in this country was carried out on 31 March 1995.
