Mary Wallace
Question:230 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health his views on the general lack of expertise of medical personnel in dealing with non-speaking patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15895/96]
Written Answers. - Patients with Speech and Hearing Impairments.
Limerick East): I am aware of concerns about the need for effective communication with people with speech and hearing impairments and this issue is being examined by the review group on services for people with a physical or sensory disability in its forthcoming report.
Following tripartite discussions between the National Rehabilitation Board, the National Association for the Deaf, and the Irish Deaf Society to consider the provision of a deaf interpretative service, I have received a lottery application for funding to which I am currently giving careful consideration. In addition, a grant of £11,000 was provided in 1995 by the Eastern Health Board to NAD and the Irish Hard of Hearing Association for lip-reading services.