Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the policy that operates in regard to the cochlear implantation programme based in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, which is funded by his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the professionals working on this programme are actively encouraging parents not to learn Irish sign language and believe that learning Irish sign language would hinder the ability of the children to learn speech or lip reading, research proves that this belief is unfounded; his views on the ethical issues surrounding the cochlear programme and on the kind of support that underpins the implantation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55766/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the specific matter which is the subject of the Deputy's query, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.