Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
605. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if there is a register of persons who are profoundly deaf; and the grants available for children and persons who are profoundly deaf, including whether there are plans to include replacement parts associated with cochlear implants on the medical card scheme. [22305/13]
View answerThere is no register of persons who are profoundly deaf. All paediatric clients and clients with a medical card are entitled to community audiology services and repairs of their hearing aids. The Department of Social Protection also provide a grant for hearing aids. There are no private cochlear implants carried out in Ireland. Cochlear implants and replacements are funded by the Health Service Executive and provided by Beaumont Hospital, therefore the issue of inclusion of replacement parts associated with cochlear implants on the medical card scheme, does not arise.
