Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
1173. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health the supports available to people in need of hearing aids; the steps that can be taken to ease the financial burden; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37382/26]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of hearing services free of charge to children under the age of 18. This includes screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and devices, as needed, including hearing aids and cochlear implants. These services are provided to children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have hearing problems.
The HSE also offers assessment and rehabilitation for adult medical card holders, free of charge. This includes the provision, fitting and repair of appropriate hearing aids.
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, primarily based on an assessment of means. 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. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment.
The Treatment Benefit Scheme is funded by the Social Insurance Fund and administered by the Department of Social Protection. The scheme provides certain dental, optical, and medical appliance benefits 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. Changes to the Treatment Benefit Scheme, including the level of the grant etc, would be a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
The National Hearing Care Plan Working 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 clinicians, 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. A public consultation has recently concluded, and this will inform the drafting of the National Hearing Care Plan.
