Vol. 577 No. 3
430 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will examine the needs of deaf and partially deaf people in the context of funding communication supports, that is, sign language interpreters, speed text and so on, to enable them to be full members of their communities and avoid being marginalised. [30803/03]
The provision of health related services, including services for the deaf and hard of hearing, to people with physical and-or sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. The funding of sign language interpreters, speed text and other communication supports is not a health related service and therefore is not the responsibility of my Department.
