Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The parents of the children in question are committed to ensuring that their children are allowed to reach their full potential. Clearly what is needed in the context of the clinical lead care programme is a commitment that funding will be provided. I realise it is difficult for the Minister to give a guarantee in the House today. However, the sequential implantation process should be given priority as should the simultaneous implantation process for those born thereafter.

Time will run out for some of these children if the resources are not made available in 2014.

I do not expect the Minister to make a grand announcement today, but the priority must be the establishment of the clinical lead and the appointment of Dr. Gary Norman, followed by an assessment of who is suitable for sequential implantation. It will be a demand-led scheme for several years because if a cap is put on the amount of funding available prior to completion of an audit of suitable candidates, some children will be placed at a disadvantage. Until the backlog is addressed, all those deemed suitable for cochlear bilateral implants should be treated. I urge the Minister to make every effort to convince those who have a say in budgetary matters that it is critical to maximise the opportunities for the children concerned in their future lives.

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