Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses here today and thank them for their presentations. Everyone here is very supportive of their cause. Given that our nearest neighbours all tend to use bilateral cochlear implants, the question of best practice surely arises in terms of how medical equipment is procured and what medical equipment is provided. How does the HSE ensure it is in line with international best practice? Has any calculation been made on the long-term cost to the State of assisting people with impaired hearing in terms of additional services, supports and assistance - resources that might be avoided were bilateral cochlear implants provided at a young age?