Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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1581. To ask the Minister for Health the full year cost to the Exchequer of providing bilateral cochlear implants for deaf children. [38656/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The report of the National Audiology Review Group, published by the HSE in 2011, includes a recommendation that continued ring-fenced financial support be provided for the cochlear implant programme but at levels which allow for simultaneous bilateral implantation for children. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 children in Ireland today who may be suitable for a second implant.

The HSE has been working closely with Beaumont Hospital to progress plans for bilateral cochlear implantation, and a business case has now been finalised which sets out a number of options for the provision of this service, and estimated costs associated with these. My Department is currently examining the options and associated costs contained in the business case in the context of the 2014 Estimates Process.