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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Deaf People's Allowance.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

36 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health whether he intends introducing any special allowances for deaf people in view of the extra living costs they incur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20107/96]

Limerick East): I am aware that people with physical and sensory disabilities, such as deaf people, may incur additional costs as a result of their disability.

The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, which reported recently, recommended the establishment of a costs of disability payment. The implementation of this and the other recommendations of the commission are being examined by a monitoring committee and inter-departmental taskforce which will report back to the Government next year.

Services for the deaf are also being examined by the review group on health and personal social services for people with physical and sensory disabilities whose report will be published shortly.

Currently, there are a range of services, including the supply of specialised equipment, provided by voluntary organisations which are grant aided by the health boards. In addition, the National Rehabilitation Board provides hearing tests and hearing aids free to all children up to school leaving age and to all adult medical card holders. Hearing aids are exempt from value added tax.

Deaf people also qualify for the employment support scheme and the pilot programme for the employment of people with disabilities.

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