James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of cochlear implantation services. The Taoiseach addressed the matter during Leaders' Questions today.

The Deputy has pointed out that Beaumont Hospital is the centre for delivering Ireland's national cochlear implant programme, with surgical provision for patients under the age of six years carried out in the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street. Since the national cochlear implant programme commenced 17 years ago more than 700 patients have received cochlear implants. I understand that in 2012 a total of 90 cochlear implants were carried out with 42 children and 48 adults Receiving implants .

In 2009 a national review of audiology services was carried out by the HSE to examine the services provided to children and adults nationwide and to formulate a national plan for the services. The report of the national audiology review group, published by the HSE in 2011, provides the blueprint for the planning, development and delivery of HSE audiology services from new-born screening to assessment and management of adults and children with hearing problems, including cochlear implantation. Two of the main recommendations in the report include the national roll-out of a universal new-born hearing screening programme and the establishment of a bone-anchored hearing aid programme. The report also included a recommendation that continued ring-fenced financial support be provided for the cochlear implant programme, but at levels which allow for simultaneous bilateral implantation for children.

While no dedicated programme for simultaneous or sequential implantation is being carried out in Ireland at the moment some bilateral implantation has already occurred for patients, mainly very young children with certain medical conditions such as a history of meningitis or blindness. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 children in Ireland today who may be suitable for a second implant. The HSE has established a national clinical care programme for audiology, which is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations detailed by the report of the review group. Progress is being made on the modernisation of audiology services in Ireland. The introduction of a universal national programme of new-born hearing screening is a key priority, the aim of which is that all babies have their hearing screened shortly after birth. One recent development has involved the appointment of a national audiology clinical lead, as Deputy Kelleher noted. In addition four assistant national lead posts have been advertised to support the implementation of the audiology clinical care programme.

The HSE is working closely with Beaumont Hospital to progress plans for both simultaneous and sequential bilateral implantation. I understand that representatives from Beaumont Hospital, HSE management and the HSE's audiology clinical care programme have met recently to discuss a joint process to identify the options for developing and resourcing a programme of simultaneous and sequential cochlear implantation. An important element of this process will be the development of clear clinical criteria to prioritise clients for assessment and follow-on implantation. Each child must be assessed to determine if he or she is suitable for a bilateral implant. The provision of information about the advantages and potential disadvantages of bilateral implantation is required to facilitate an informed decision on whether to proceed. Not all suitable patients proceed with the second implant when appraised of all the issues involved. The development of the service will require additional resources for Beaumont Hospital. I am pleased to report that these plans will be progressed through the HSE 2014 Estimates process.

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