Vol. 550 No. 2
239 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has withdrawn or withheld funding for a behind the ear apparatus which is needed for people who have a cochlear implant, who presently wear a speech processor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7451/02]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the Cochlear Implant Programme at Beaumont Hospital. Funding for this service is provided through the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department allocated €3.174 million in additional funding to the authority in 2002 to continue the development of national specialties in the region. The detailed application of these additional moneys is being progressed by the ERHA in consultation with service providers, including Beaumont Hospital.
