Vol. 518 No. 3
194 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take to clear the back-log in assessments of hearing from the National Rehabilitation Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11797/00]
The National Rehabilitation Board provides the national hearing service for all children and for all medical card holders. I have had inquiries made of the board and it informs me that two of its clinicians have gone on maternity leave since January of this year which has reduced the board's operational capacity in the Dublin city/Fingal area.
However, the board has just finalised a contract with an outside contractor to provide clinics on its behalf. These clinics will commence in May. It is in discussions with a second private contractor to also provide clinics on its behalf. The combined capacities of these contractors and the board's own staff should significantly reduce current waiting lists in Dublin city/Fingal from May onwards.
