asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that local health authorities are unauthorised to meet the requirements of medical card holders for whom hearing aids are prescribed; and, if so, whether he will introduce a suitable scheme at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hearing Aids for Medical Card Holders.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to Deputy Tierney on 26th March, 1958. There have been some developments since but I am still unable to say when it will be possible to introduce a scheme. As the Deputy may be aware, hearing aids are at present being supplied under the Health Acts for the use of children maintained in recognised institutions for the deaf. In addition, qualified insured persons continue to receive financial assistance towards the cost of hearing aids under the Department of Social Welfare's scheme of treatment benefits.
I take it the Minister appreciates the difficulty of medical card holders for whom hearing aids are prescribed and for whom no contributory scheme is now available?
Yes. That is under active consideration.