Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
592. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the status of the National Hearing Care Plan Working Group established in 2024; the work completed to date; when the recommendations will be published; and the expected timeline for implementation. [18173/26]
View answer594. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider expanding access to community based audiology services for HSE medical card holders and help reduce pressure on hospital ENT and audiology services. [18175/26]
View answer595. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address untreated age-related hearing loss as a public health priority, given that the Lancet Commission identifies hearing loss as the biggest modifiable risk factor for dementia and that managing hearing loss between ages 45-65 years reduces dementia risk by 7%. [18177/26]
View answer596. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department will introduce a national awareness campaign on age related hearing loss, given evidence that people often wait between seven to ten years before seeking help and that 66% of hearing aid users regret not acting sooner. [18178/26]
View answer598. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will explore partnerships with community based providers to deliver timely hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings, noting that early diagnosis and support can reduce isolation, improve mental well-being and lower the risk of dementia. [18180/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 592, 594, 595, 596 and 598 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) Community Audiology Service provides assessment and rehabilitation for adult medical card holders. This includes screening, assessment, diagnostic and related investigations, treatment, rehabilitation, and the provision, fitting and repair of appropriate devices, (including hearing aids and cochlear implants).
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 21 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 saw this as an opportunity to deliver a more comprehensive plan that considers all aspects of audiology care, thus ensuring the greatest benefit to patients.
A public consultation process is due to commence later this month, with a final National Hearing Care Plan due for the Minister’s consideration in Q2 2026. The public consultation will provide valuable insight into barriers that patients face when trying to access hearing care services.
