Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding cochlear implants in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9248/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware from previous responses to his questions relating to cochlear implants, that bilateral cochlear implants are not routinely available at present. 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. Beaumont Hospital, HSE Management and the HSE’s Audiology Clinical Care Programme have met recently to discuss a joint process to identify the options for developing and resourcing a programme of simultaneous and sequential cochlear implantation. An important element of this will be the development of clear clinical criteria to prioritise clients for assessment and follow on implantation. The introduction of this service is a matter between the HSE and Beaumont hospital and the HSE has advised me that these plans will be progressed through the HSE 2014 estimates process.