Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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170. To ask the Minister for Health for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17013/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to ensuring that those suffering from hearing loss have access to the services they require, including access to affordable hearing aids.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides hearing aids and associated maintenance free of charge to adults with a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.

The Treatment Benefit Scheme, provided by the Department of Social Protection, is available to those who have paid sufficient PRSI contributions. This Scheme provides a maximum funding once every four calendar years of €500 towards a single hearing aid or €1,000 towards a pair of hearing aids and €100 towards the cost of repairs. Suppliers must be registered with the Department of Social Protection. A person may choose to purchase a more expensive hearing aid and would pay any additional costs arising.

Individuals who do not possess a medical card or who are not eligible for the Treatment Benefit Scheme would have to purchase hearing aids privately from a commercial provider. If the individual has private health insurance, it may cover hearing aid costs.

Hearing aids are exempt from VAT and people may also be entitled to claim tax relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) on their purchase of hearing aids where prescribed by a practitioner.