John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is a universal newborn hearing screening programme available in the paediatric and maternity department at Waterford Regional Hospital; if there is not such a programme, if she intends to introduce one; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27833/06]

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.

The report of the Universal Neo-natal Hearing Screening Group commissioned by the former Health Boards was received in the Public Health Division of my Department on 3 April 2006 and is being assessed. My Department is also in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.