Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there is a grant available towards the purchase of a hearing aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36167/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Community Audiology Services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) offer assessment and rehabilitation for medical card holders and for children. Children and young people up to 18 years are entitled to access HSE audiology services free of charge at the point of delivery. This covers screening, assessment, diagnostic and related investigations, treatment, habilitation, rehabilitation, hearing aids and cochlear implants. All adults can access acute-based ENT services and associated audiology assessments free of charge. If hearing aids are required, those with medical cards are entitled to be referred to HSE audiology services for the hearing aids, which are provided free of charge.

The Treatment Benefit Scheme, which is the responsibility of the Minster for Social Protection, provides aural services to insured workers and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. Under this Scheme hearing aids may be provided by suppliers who have a contract with the Department of Social Protection. The Department pays half the cost of a hearing aid subject to a fixed maximum of €760 for each hearing aid every two years.