Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
1166. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if she will consider allowing community audiologists, who already provide care to PRSI contributors through the treatment benefit scheme, to serve medical card holders (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2733/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1167. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if she will support a proposal to ensure that community audiologists who already provide care to PRSI contributors through the treatment benefit scheme are allowed to serve medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2735/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1166 and 1167 together.
The Minister for Health established the National Hearing Care Plan Working Group in August 2024.
The Hearing Care Plan Working Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. Membership of the Working Group is drawn from relevant stakeholders, including the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, the Irish Academy of Audiology, and the Department of Social Protection.
The Group is tasked with making recommendations around developing a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland. This work is ongoing and will consider, among other things, the appropriate linkage between public and private provision of care to maximise positive outcomes for patients.
Further information regarding the Working Group, including its Terms of Reference, can be found at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e68ec-minister-for-health-establishes-national-hearing-care-plan-working-group/
