Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On February 13, I raised with the Taoiseach the issue of double cochlear implants for young children who are profoundly deaf. At the time, he committed to adopting a positive approach to this issue. I have also spoken to the Minister for Health twice about this matter. The Taoiseach will recall that on 13 February I raised the case of Billy Cairns, aged four from Dundalk. On 3 April he will undergo his fifth general anaesthetic of his short life to replace an existing faulty implant. Would it not be sensible that when he is getting that done, he would get the other ear fixed as well? If he does not, he might have to get several more general anaesthetics in the time ahead.

In Cork, Julie Anne Cunneen has received funding from a private donor.

See this speech in context