Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Questions (780, 800, 801, 802, 816)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

780. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that funding is made available for children who have a profound hearing impairment to receive the double cochlear implant procedure which is standard in other EU states, including the NHS in the UK, particularly in view of the fact that there are around 350 children waiting for the procedure and at present can only receive a single implant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5205/13]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Question:

800. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will consider providing bilateral cochlear implants as recommended in the 2009 Audiology Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5329/13]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Question:

801. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of people, on average, who receive cochlear implants each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5330/13]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Question:

802. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the amount extra, on average, it would cost the State yearly to provide bilateral cochlear implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5331/13]

Seán Kenny

Question:

816. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to provide cochlear implants to children when profound deafness exists in both ears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5423/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 780, 800 to 802, inclusive, and 816 together.

I am advised that Beaumont Hospital carried out over ninety cochlear implants in 2012 and that over seven hundred patients are currently under the care of the hospital programme which provides rehabilitation and programming on a recurring basis. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.