asked the Minister for Health whether a medical examination on a child attending a national school, which is considered by the doctors involved to be necessary to complete their tests, is conducted free of charge to the parents irrespective of incomes; if such examination is, on the advice of the said doctors, conducted in hospital, although such examination can be conducted without involving a stay in hospital and, if not, why; the steps to be taken to ensure that parents are properly informed that a further examination does not form part of the public child welfare service and can be conducted in hospital only at the expense of the parents themselves if they are not eligible for assistance under the Health Acts; and what redress is open to parents who may have been misled in such circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Medical Examination.
The school health service provides medical examinations by doctors employed by health boards for children attending national schools. If, following the initial examination in school, a further examination is considered necessary it is normally provided at an out-patient specialist clinic in hospital. Should it be necessary for any child to enter hospital for investigation, the hospital services are available in the normal way. They are free of charge to children who are dependants of persons with full or limited eligibility. Children of parents in the higher income group are charged, except for certain specified defects. The summary of the health services issued by this Department makes this position clear.
For convenience I shall, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, circulate with the Official Report a short statement setting out the position in an alternative way.
Following is the statement:
(a) children in all income groups are entitled to free out-patient specialist treatment for defects noticed at school health or child welfare examinations;
(b) children who are dependants of persons with full or limited eligibility are entitled to free hospital treatment for such defects;
(c) children whose parents are in the higher income group have to pay for hospital treatment if it is required.