asked the Minister for Health if he will state (a) the present position in regard to the school medical services in Cork City and County and in particular the eye, ear, throat and nose services, (b) the number of children at present awaiting treatment under the service, and (c) when it is hoped to resume the services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork School Medical Services.
Routine health examination of pupils of national schools in Cork County Borough and County is being carried out by medical officers of the corporation and county council.
I am advised that in the case of Cork County Borough all children referred under the school medical service up to 28th ultimo for hospital treatment for defects of the eyes, ear, nose and throat have received it. I understand that since that date only two children have not obtained treatment under the service.
In so far as Cork County is concerned, 759 children recommended for hospital treatment for defects of the eyes, nose and throat have not, as yet, received it under the service. No information is available as to whether any of these patients have actually received treatment otherwise than under the school medical service.
As the Deputy is aware, the voluntary hospitals in Cork in the past have provided institutional treatment for children from both Cork County Borough and Cork County, referred for such treatment under the school medical service. Since 1st January, 1954, the ophthalmological and laryngological staffs of these hospitals ceased to provide a service for the children from the county and I understand that they proposed to take similar action in regard to city children with effect from 1st instant.
The problem is receiving my close attention and I am in touch with the city and county managers in the matter. I have suggested that, pending a settlement of the issues involved, the service should be provided on the understanding that any agreement reached would be applied retrospectively. In any case it is my intention to ensure that the service is provided.
Has the idea been abandoned of local authorities appointing their own specialists?
I would refer the Deputy to the reply I have given, that the problem at the moment is receiving my close attention. I have suggested that the service should be provided on the understanding that any agreement reached will apply retrospectively. In any case it is my intention to ensure that the service is provided.