Press Release: Friday 17 April 2026
Minister for Health launches Public Consultation on hearing care services
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has launched a public consultation on hearing care services in Ireland. This consultation is a crucial element of the work of the National Hearing Care Plan Working Group, which is tasked with developing a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland. The consultation is examining:
- The existing level of hearing care provision in Ireland.
- Workforce planning.
- The current education structures in place to ensure an adequate number of audiology graduates are available to enter the workforce.
- The appropriate level of regulation of the audiology profession.
- Improving referral pathways and the integration between acute and community care.
- The effective linkage between public and private care to improve patient outcomes, including reductions in waiting times.
This public consultation will provide an opportunity for the public to contribute their views on their awareness of, access to, and experience of hearing care services in Ireland.
The consultation also gives service providers an opportunity to express their views on key areas of focus for the Working Group.
The views and opinions collected will be considered and used to inform the development of the National Hearing Care Plan.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“There is increasing demand on public audiology services, and this has led to substantial growth in patient waiting times. Reducing waiting list times across a range of acute and community healthcare services remains a priority for this Government.
“The Hearing Care Plan Working Group has been tasked with developing recommendations for a holistic model of care for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing difficulties in the Irish population.
“This public consultation is a great opportunity for the public to help shape the future of hearing care in Ireland and I would encourage everyone to participate and make their views know.”
The consultation will be open for four weeks – the closing date is Friday 15 May 2026.
You can access the public consultation here.