Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if the post of national clinic lead for the audiology clinical care programme has been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4867/13]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in implementing the increase of staff levels in audiology as recommended in the Health Service Executive National Audiology Review Group Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4868/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

The HSE National Audiology Review Group Report, published in April 2011, made recommendations to address inconsistencies and shortcomings in audiology services including recommendations on governance and staffing matters. The HSE audiology service currently employs 72.37 Whole Time Equivalents (WTEs). A new post of National Clinical Lead for Audiology will take up appointment on 1 March 2013. Four Assistant National Lead posts for Audiology will be advertised shortly. All five Leads will have management and clinical duties. In addition 12 new Audiologists will be recruited in October 2013. This will lead to 17 additional posts by year end reflecting a 23% increase in the audiology workforce.