Written answers
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Department of Health
Health Services
Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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577. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeline of implementation for the expansion of community neurorehabilitation teams nationally, following funding allocations in Budget 2026; the expected timeline of implementation for a community neurorehabilitation team in Dublin northwest; the expected funding amount for a community neurorehabilitation team in Dublin northwest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64673/25]
Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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578. To ask the Minister for Health the catchment areas for community neurorehabilitation teams in Dublin; the best possible options for constituents of Dublin northwest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64674/25]
Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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579. To ask the Minister for Health the interim actions being taken by her Department and the HSE to reduce audiology waiting times ahead of the publication of the National Hearing Care Plan in Q1 2026, including any temporary staffing supports or targeted initiatives to clear the current backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64679/25]
Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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580. To ask the Minister for Health whether the HSE plans to expand short-term access to private or community based audiology services, including options in Northern Ireland, in order to reduce delays for hearing assessments and hearing aids while the National Hearing Care Plan is being finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64680/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 580 together.
The National Hearing Care Plan Working Group was established in August 2024. The Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Membership of the Working Group is drawn from relevant stakeholders, including HSE clinicians and management, the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (ISHAA), the Irish Academy of Audiology (IAA), and the Department of Social Protection.
The Working Group has been tasked with developing recommendations for a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland. To support this, a structured workstream has been developed, including subgroups focused on progressing priority issues. Significant progress has been made to date. There have been 16 meetings of the Working Group and associated subgroups since formation.
The scope of the work being considered by the Group has expanded beyond initial expectations, which has impacted on the timeline of the delivery of the report. The Group is examining:
- The existing level of hearing care provision in Ireland.
- Capacity constraints and opportunities within the HSE.
- Workforce planning, including improved recruitment and retention in the public system.
- The appropriate level of regulation of the audiology profession.
- Improving referral pathways and the integration between acute and community care.
- The effective linkage between public and private care to improve patient outcomes, including reductions in waiting times.
In the meantime, €750,000 was allocated in Budget 2025 so that external providers could be utilised to assess paediatric patients waiting the longest on HSE community audiology waiting lists. External providers have been identified via a HSE procurement process and the HSE have advised that over 3,600 children will be seen under this initiative.
The HSE provides hearing aids and associated maintenance free of charge to children under the age of 18 and to adults with a medical card. Further information regarding the HSE's audiology services can be found at:
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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. Further information can be found at:
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The Treatment Benefit Scheme, operated by the Department of Social Protection, provides for healthcare services to qualified people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. This includes up to €1,000 for a pair of hearing aids, and up to €100 toward repairs, within a 4-year calendar period. Further information can be found at:
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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. People may also be entitled to claim tax relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) on the purchase of hearing aids where prescribed.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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581. To ask the Minister for Health the financial difference for a person currently on the special scheme for long-Covid, following the conclusion of the current special scheme on 31 December 2025, in comparison to the available schemes following the deadline of the final extension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64681/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Department does not have individual data on the 159 employees who are currently on the Special Scheme for Long Covid.
When the scheme ends on the 31st of December 2025 the full provisions of the Public Sector Sick Leave Scheme will apply to anyone who remains unfit to return to work.
The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports for up to 3 years.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
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