Dáil debates

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Disability Services

10:00 am

Photo of Paul McAuliffePaul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)

In our constituency offices, we frequently receive queries about different State services and requests for appointments. Where possible we are able to make progress for people. Recently I was taken aback when Christopher, a constituent of mine from Whitehall, contacted me regarding an audiology appointment. It was in fact his daughter who was in touch with me. He was informed that the soonest audiology appointment which would be available to him would be in December 2026. I am assured that urgent cases are dealt with more speedily, but that is of little comfort to Christopher who is seeking an appointment and who is slowly losing the hearing that he has. I understand from Chime that this is not unique and that over 8,000 people are waiting for audiology appointments.

I am looking for the Minister for Health to take measures that might assist in waiting list initiatives specifically for audiology appointments. There has been some progress with children's audiology and I believe over €750,000 was identified for funding to try to fast-track those children who are waiting for audiology appointments.

Whether you are young or old, the loss of your hearing is a very scary thing and is something that isolates you. I know that as many older people lose their hearing, they feel more and more removed from their own family, their neighbours and their friends. They perhaps do not attend the same events they would have attended. It can be a very isolating experience. It is for that reason I hope we might be able to take some measures on this matter. I would appreciate it if he could update the House.

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