Vol. 232 No. 4
asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to extend the schools health service to vocational schools and to those pupils in secondary schools who are availing of post-primary education as a result of the recent extension in that sphere of education.
40.
asked the Minister for Health if he has received a report on the review of the school health service and the child welfare clinic service referred to in a reply of 25th October, 1967; and if he now proposes to take action to provide school medical services for all secondary pupils.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
I have received the report of the study group which examined the school health service and it does not favour an extension of the service to pupils of post-primary schools until the existing child welfare clinic and school health services have been first improved.
The study group consider that if these early services are made more effective children should receive medical attention for practically all significant health defects before reaching post-primary school age.
I am, however, keeping an open mind on the matter until I have received and considered the views of medical and other interested bodies on the study group's recommendations.
Is there hope the Minister will consider expanding this service?
Yes, indeed. It is a question of priority. We regard the preventive side as more important.
There is still hope?
In time, yes.
