asked the Minister for Health if any subvention is available from his Department towards the purchase and installation of special telephone machines for the deaf.

There is no specific provision of grants for the purchase and installation of special telephone equipment for the deaf. I understand that special equipment is available from the Department of Posts and Telegraphs to assist partially deaf persons in the use of the ordinary telephones. Some of these services are free of charge.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that in the case of people who are more than partially deaf and are in need of communication and the ability to communicate, it would be a good idea if a subvention were made available for this type of machinery?

I agree that there is a problem there but I also know that the Department of Posts and Telegraphs give very special consideration to the requirements of the deaf as regards the installation of special equipment.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider the installation of these machines in every home catering for people in this category?

The National Rehabilitation Board who have considerable involvement with the circumstances of the deaf are considering every possibility that would make life a little easier for these people.

That is a very lukewarm answer. We must do more and more for the underprivileged in the community. It would not be very costly and it might be very worthwhile for the Parliamentary Secretary to take up this suggestion personally.

I shall look into it.