Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The lowest, yes. We have a situation where large numbers of people who should have hearing aids do not for various reasons. There is no understanding of the link between hearing loss and dementia, in addition to having a much lower quality of life, difficulties in relationships and all of that, and the isolation that comes with hearing loss. For a large number of people who get hearing aids, those hearing aids are probably not good enough for their needs.

It is a seriously problematic area that we need to pursue.

The figures for the waiting list are absolutely shocking. The last figures I have are 22,000, of whom 5,000, adults and children, are waiting more than a year and up to three years. Over 6,0000 are waiting between six and 12 months. That is an absolute disgrace. Then people are being forced into the private system. What would be the optimum model of care in relation to hearing loss? Should much more of the work be done at State level rather than outsourced to the private sector? Is that Chime's view or does he think a mixed model can meet the needs of people, providing it is adequately funded?