Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 231: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has had contact or discussion with the National Association for Deaf People on the subject of universal newborn hearing screening since May 2005; when the National Association for Deaf People submitted their business case proposal; if she was present in July 2005 when the National Association for Deaf People briefed her Department. [13564/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Since May 2005, my Department has received a number of representations from the National Association for Deaf People, NAD, on the subject of universal neonatal hearing screening. This correspondence relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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 have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the National Association for Deaf People.

On 6 July 2005, one of my advisory staff met with a project officer of the National Association for Deaf People on my behalf and discussed a submission prepared by the NAD. This submission was forwarded to the HSE on 18 July and I understand the HSE has had follow up discussions with the NAD since that date.

On 13 July 2005, a meeting took place between the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiology. A representative from the National Association for Deaf People was also present at this meeting. The subject for discussion at this meeting was the inclusion of audiology professions in the system of statutory registration proposed in the Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004. To the best of my knowledge, the question of universal neonatal hearing screening was not discussed on this occasion.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding which has been provided to family projects (details supplied) in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13568/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 asked the executive to provide me with the detailed information sought by the Deputy. I will be in further contact with the Deputy as soon as this information is received.