Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Enright for allowing me the opportunity to raise the same matter concerning a number of my constituents, particularly one in south Galway. This elderly man had an analogue hearing aid which did not suit him as is the case for many people. He has a medical card and is on a very low income. He tried to better himself by acquiring an attachment for the analogue hearing aid which makes it a half-digital system. The hearing aid is relatively good but it is extremely uncomfortable and is inconvenient. I wish to make a special case for the many hundreds of people at this stage in their lives. Thankfully, I do not have a problem with my hearing. However, I imagine that it is a great drawback to have a hearing impairment. As Deputy Enright stated, quality of life is a matter of major importance to the people to whom she referred. We should at the very least provide digital hearing aids for those who are on low incomes and who are also on medical cards. I understand that the technology is so good that the units are becoming less expensive. I cannot understand why the HSE is not in a position to deliver the type of equipment which can be life changing for many people.

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