Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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403. To ask the Minister for Health the status of funding for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17246/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health SE Community audiology service offers hearing aids and associated maintenance for free to all children under the age of 18 and to all adults with a full medical card.

The Treatment Benefit Scheme, run by the Department of Social Protection, provides dental, optical and aural services to qualified people. The Scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people, and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.

Under this Scheme, hearing aids may be provided by suppliers who have a contract with the Department of Social Protection. This scheme provides maximum funding of €500 for each hearing aid (and €100 towards the cost of repairs), every four years.

People can also claim tax relief on the purchase of hearing aids prescribed by an appropriate healthcare practitioner.

Finally, if an individual has private health insurance, it may cover hearing aid costs depending upon the policy type.