Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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882. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way that hearing aid suppliers are chosen for the treatment benefit scheme; if there are requirements around hearing aid manufacturers; the quality control that is implemented with regard to hearing aids provided by suppliers who are eligible for the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1131/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Department’s Medical Appliance scheme, which provides grants to assist in the purchase of hearing aids, is available to those who have the required number of PRSI contributions and is also available to their dependant spouse/partner. 

The scheme provides for a €500 grant per ear, towards the purchase of up to two hearing aids every 4 years.

The scheme also provides for one repair per aid in a 4 year period, up to a maximum of €100 per aid.

The scheme is administered by audiologists who are contracted with the Department.

In order to join the Department’s panel, a contractor must be registered with ISHAA (Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists) and comply with the “Best Practice Guidelines for The Provision of Hearing Aid Services for Adults in Ireland”

Contractors must satisfy tax compliance, maintain professional indemnity insurance and provide a pricelist of the appliances which are offered to qualified customers.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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883. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the allowable differential between the cost price of the hearing aids provided to those eligible for treatment benefit scheme and the price charged to grant recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1132/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Department’s Medical Appliance scheme, which provides grants to assist in the purchase of hearing aids, is available to those who have the required number of PRSI contributions and is also available to their dependant spouse/partner. 

The scheme provides for a €500 grant per ear, towards the purchase of up to two hearing aids every 4 years.

The scheme also provides for one repair per aid in a 4 year period, up to a maximum of €100 per aid.

The hearing aid providers engage directly with customers regarding the appropriate appliance for their particular circumstances, after which a submission is made to the Department for payment.  The Department doesn't engage directly with providers in relation the costs of individual appliances.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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884. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is a minimum standard of hearing aid specified under the treatment benefit scheme with specific features like noise reduction, tinnitus relief and so on. [1133/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Department’s Medical Appliance scheme, which provides grants to assist in the purchase of hearing aids, is available to those who have the required number of PRSI contributions and is also available to their dependant spouse/partner. 

The scheme provides for a €500 grant per ear, towards the purchase of up to two hearing aids every 4 years.

The scheme also provides for one repair per aid in a 4 year period, up to a maximum of €100 per aid.

The selection of a hearing aid is a matter to be discussed between the claimant and the provider.  However, all audiologists who are contracted with the Department must be registered with ISHAA (Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists) and comply with the “Best Practice Guidelines for The Provision of Hearing Aid Services for Adults in Ireland”

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.