Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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I welcome the witnesses. I have a number of brief questions, as most of my questions have already been asked by other members.

Mr. Shay Kearns mentioned the introduction of the newborn screening test for hearing. That is a great step forward, but we need to be able to say with confidence to the parents who have children with identified hearing difficulties that there is a clear pathway for treatment and that the children will receive treatment by a specified date. It is important that this be put in place. My next question - I know it was addressed during the presentation in the AV room - is the ongoing debate on the bilateral approach and the potential impact of the use of stem cell research and reactivating the nerve at some future date. My view is that we must deal with the here and now and do something for the children whose chances of recovery are decreasing every day. We need to act quickly.