Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 503: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities available to persons with a hearing disability who wish to phone her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10955/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department is committed to making suitable provision to enable all customers to access the services of the Department. At present telephony systems to assist those with hearing disabilities to use phones are placed on the user's phone, and there is no action the receiving caller can take to improve access. A range of access options, including an Induction Loop system and staff trained in sign language, is available to persons with hearing disabilities who call in person to the Department. New developments are kept under review so that they can be implemented where they will improve services.