Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee. It is very important that children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Since the national cochlear implant programme commenced 17 years ago, more than 700 patients have had the operation, with an average of 90 operations each year, comprising 42 children and 48 adults being operated on each year. Previously there was a problem in that the Minister would not meet us, but Deputy James Reilly, the Minister for Health, gave a commitment at the previous meeting a few months ago to meet with the members, and I am delighted that he honoured it. He has given a full commitment to look after this problem. Finance is an issue, and I hope the witnesses had a fruitful meeting and that things went well for the Happy New Ear campaign. Let me assure the witnesses that this cross-party committee is here to help them.