asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that children examined under the school medical inspection scheme, who have not yet attained the age of 14 years but who are pupils in secondary and vocational schools, are being deprived of medical benefits; and if he will introduce amending legislation to cover such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Benefits for School Children.
180.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. My information is that, in general, health authorities provide treatment for such children in respect of defects discovered at school health examinations.
If, however, the Deputy has a particular case in mind, perhaps he would furnish me with the necessary details and I will have inquiries made as to the position.
Did the Minister understand that this question apparently refers to those who have left primary schools and therefore do not come under the school inspection?
They would have to be examined before they leave school.
If they leave school before the time comes to give the service, the position appears to be that they do not receive the service on the ground that they are no longer at primary school.
That is not the question.
It is.
No, the question is in connection with children examined under the school medical inspection scheme who have not yet attained the age of 14 years.
Even so, if they go to secondary school before they have been treated, they do not get it.
That is not right; they do.
That is how I know it to operate.
That is not how it should operate. If the Deputy gives me information that that is happening in his constituency, I will have it put right.