Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if it is the case that in Europe and the USA bilateral implantation of cochlear implants is standard practice; if it is the case that for resource reasons in this State the standard practice is to use only one cochlear implant; if he will give consideration to changing this practice and move towards bilateral implantation; his views on whether deafness can allow children to be cut off from society and that every effort should be made to ensure children born deaf can play a full role in society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8043/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In 2009 the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation as best practice for children. No dedicated programme for simultaneous or sequential implantation is being carried out in Ireland at this time. However, some bilateral implantation has already occurred for patients, mainly very young children with certain medical conditions such as a history of meningitis or blindness.

I understand that Beaumont Hospital, HSE Management and the HSE’s Audiology Clinical Care Programme (ACCP)have met recently to discuss a joint process to identify the options for developing and resourcing a programme of simultaneous cochlear implantation in children into the future. An important element of this will be the development of clear clinical criteria to prioritise clients for assessment and follow on implantation.

In relation to services for the deaf the Health Service Executive provides funding of in excess of €4m annually to DeafHear (formerly the National Association for the Deaf) to provide a range of services to over 32,500 deaf and hard of hearing people and their families. Some of the services provided by DeafHear include Personal and Family Support Services, an Assistive Technology Service, a Citizens Information Service, Speedtext which assists deaf and hard of hearing people to participate fully in meetings, educational courses etc. and Hearing and Communication Therapy. In addition, DeafHear provide Deaf and Hearing Awareness Training to public and private sectors, bridging the gap between service providers and deaf consumers.

The HSE also provides funding of approximately €4m annually to the Catholic Institute for Deaf People, towards the provision of the residence accommodation at the following services; St. Joseph's School and Residence for Deaf Boys; St. Mary's School and Residence for Deaf Girls; St. Joseph's House for Adult Deaf and Deaf Blind. The school programmes are funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

The HSE National Audiology Review Group Report, published in April 2011, made recommendations to address inconsistencies and shortcomings in audiology services.These recommendations are currently being implemented and are expected to provide improvements in audiology services throughout the country. All aspects of audiology patient management are currently being reviewed with an aim to provide an equal, efficient and effective clinical service. The recommendations being implemented include:

- An Audiology Clinical Care Programme has been put in place under the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate;

- Newborn hearing screening programme has now been rolled out in HSE South, Dublin Mid Leinster and Dublin North East and is scheduled for roll out to HSE West later in 2013.

- A National Clinical Lead for Audiology post will be filled on 1 March 2013 and four Assistant Lead posts will be filled in the 2nd Quarter of 2013

- A unified career structure is being developed; The HSE has sponsored 10 M.Sc. in Audiology students, who will be ready to enter the workforce in the 3rd Quarter of 2013;

- Systems for the collation of activity data and patient management are being developed;

- A procurement exercise for the purchasing of hearing aids, hearing aid fitting systems and audiological assessment equipment has been completed;

- The Bone Anchored Hearing Aid Programme has commenced and roll out will be completed in 2013.