Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening
15. Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the introduction of hearing screening for all newborn babies, especially in view of the fact that this screening programme uses relatively cheap technology and would pay for itself in less than four years by reducing the future costs of deafness to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23238/06]
Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): The report of the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Group commissioned by the former Health Boards was received in the Public Health Division of my Department on 3 April 2006 and is being assessed. My Department is also in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.