223. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if TV listener devices for deaf persons are covered by her Department's treatment benefit scheme; if they are not covered, if the scheme could be extended to include them for deaf persons who do not have hearing aids; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31408/15]

The Department’s treatment benefit (audiology) scheme provides a grant towards the purchase of hearing aids at 50% of the cost up to a maximum of €500 per ear. TV listener devices are not currently covered under the scheme and there are no plans to extend the scheme further to include them.