Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 278: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on extending the grant that is already available for adults to access digital hearing aids to children, until such time as a complete service is in place. [5151/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the treatment benefit scheme run by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. My Department has no plans to develop such a scheme for children. However, under the Health Acts, the Health Service Executive, HSE, is required to provide a health examination and treatment service for children under the age of six and also an examination and treatment service for pupils attending a national school. These services include audiology services. The relevant legislation also requires the HSE to make aural appliances available in respect of defects noted in the course of these examinations.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which the doctor on call has access to patients' details when they arrive at the home as a stranger to an elderly sick patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5152/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.