Mr. Shay Kearns:

We do not know, and to be honest, that is not our concern. Our concern is what the best care is for our children. We are also concerned for any recipient of a cochlear implant in Ireland, because that is linked to what we are discussing here.

Deputy Ó Caoláin asked about the business case and the different options. I do not know the full details as we have not seen the business case. However, I know many different avenues were discussed and we were asked for our input. We pointed out that time is of the essence. The consultants in Beaumont Hospital have committed to do any amount of surgeries per week to clear the backlog. They want to clear the backlog and they feel uncomfortable that best medical practice, as outlined in the medical guidelines, is not being carried out. There are various options, such as travel and time. The issue of time is significant, particularly for children. Within our campaign group, which is five or six years old now, a number of children are approaching the age where they need to get the implant as soon as possible.

Deputy Naughten asked a question about stem cells. A question every parent asks is whether this is the best option. This decision must be based on the information to hand. Stem cell technology may never get to a point at which it can be offered widely to patients. Therefore, at the moment, a cochlear implant is the best solution for hearing loss for anybody. If it is not done within a certain window or timeframe, that opportunity is lost.