Fergus O'Dowd
Question:137. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce waiting times for audiology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16816/24]
View answerWednesday, 17 April 2024
Questions (137, 138)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:138. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if the development of any future national hearing care plan will include consideration for adult medical cardholders to be assessed and treated by community audiologists, who currently provide care to working age adults under the Department of Social Protection’s treatment benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16817/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 138 together.
The Department is committed to developing a national hearing care plan and is establishing a joint working group with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to progress this important work.
The Department has received proposals regarding the membership of the working group and is currently finalising the proposed membership and Terms of Reference for the working group for the approval of the Minister.
Once established, the working group will develop a hearing care plan that will consider the current status of hearing care provision and the appropriate linkage between public and private provision of care to support improved access to services.
The initial consideration of the hearing care plan will be on the provision of care to adults, and the working group will make recommendations to the Minister in that regard. The Department will then engage with all relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the recommendations made.
This work will take place in tandem with other efforts to improve health outcomes for all those suffering from hearing loss.
Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 137.