Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:140. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the finalisation of the National Hearing Care Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 April 2026
Ceisteanna (140)
Freagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for the question.
The National Hearing Care Plan Working Group was established in August 2024, and it is jointly chaired by my Department and the Health Service Executive.
Its membership includes the relevant stakeholders—HSE clinicians and management, officials from representative bodies, and colleagues from the Department of Social Protection.
The Group’s task is to develop recommendations for a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland, taking account of the World Health Organisation’s 2021 report on hearing. In doing so, it is examining the current level of hearing-care provision, capacity constraints and opportunities within the HSE, and how best to link public and private provision of care.
As the Deputy may be aware, on Friday, 17 April, I launched a public consultation, which will close on 15th May. This consultation provides an opportunity for the public to contribute their views on awareness of, access to, and experience of hearing-care services in Ireland. It will help us to better understand the barriers that patients can face. It also allows service providers to set out their perspectives on the key areas the Group should focus on.
This is an important milestone in progressing the development of the Plan. The views and opinions gathered through this process will directly inform the development and finalisation of the National Hearing Care Plan.