asked the Minister for Health whether ophthalmological services are considered as specialist services within the meaning of the Health Act; and to what section of the community these services are available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ophthalmological Services.
63.
Mr. O'Malley
Out-patient specialist services provided under section 15 of the Health Act, 1953, do not include ophthalmic services.
The persons who are eligible for ophthalmic services as hospital in-patients are described in section 15 (2) of the Health Act. They comprise the middle and lower income groups, together with cases of hardship outside these groups.
The persons who are eligible for ophthalmic services other than as hospital in-patients are: (1) Persons described in section 14 (2) of the Health Act. These are, broadly, the lower income group; (2) pupils of national schools in respect of defects discovered at school health examinations; and (3) children under six years of age in respect of defects discovered at clinics, health centres or similar institutions.
Do I take it that ophthalmological services are not considered specialist services within the meaning of the Health Act?
Mr. O'Malley
I gave the Deputy the categories. The outpatient specialist services do not include opthalmic services. Then I gave the categories eligible other than hospital in-patients.
Why is it ophthalmological services are not considered specialist services within the meaning of the Act?
That is surely a separate matter.