asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a scheme whereby all students in secondary schools will have the same health facilities as those in primary schools e.g. dental and ophthalmic treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Student Health Facilities.
1.
It is not proposed, in the near future, to extend the health examination and treatment services including dental and ophthalmic services, at present available to national school pupils, to pupils of secondary schools.
Would the Minister say why?
It is not a priority.
What is a priority?
Developing the child health service for children of under schoolgoing age and children in primary schools. We do not propose to go any further at present.
Is the Minister aware that there is a great shortage of dentists in rural areas, particularly in Mayo, and that this creates a serious problem for pupils who in many cases have to travel 50 or 60 miles by car or public transport——
That has nothing to do with this question.
That is a separate question.
Therefore when a boy or girl goes into the secondary or vocational school he or she is supposed to be absolutely healthy?
I did not say that.
The Minister said it was not important.
I said it was not a priority.
What is a priority, if this is not?
The child health service for those under schoolgoing age and a new and more selective examination of children in primary schools.