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

I do not wish to make a political argument on this issue. The Deputy and I want to give children the opportunity to reach their full potential. It has not been possible to implement the recommendations made in 2009 because of budgetary considerations, but we are providing as many children as we can with single implantations in order that we can begin sequential bilateral implantations in 2014. I have discussed the matter with the director general designate as recently as this morning. High priority is being given to this matter and, without being a hostage to fortune, we will have provision to undertake the bilateral implantations next year in order to give children the best chance. I do not want any child to miss out on the opportunity to have bilateral hearing and the same chances as other children. The Estimates for this year do not allow us to immediately engage in bilateral implantations, although some have been carried out. It is a priority for me to start providing them next year and we will enter into negotiations with Beaumont Hospital in this regard.

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