Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Mar 1981

Vol. 328 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Medical Treatment.

346.

asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of medical, including dental, eye, ear and throat services to all school children attending second level schools; and if he will outline the present arrangements.

The entitlement to health services of children in second level schools generally depends, if they are under 16 years of age, on their parents' eligibility for services. If the parents are holders of a medical card, their children are entitled to free general medical practitioner services, including necessary drugs, mediices and appliances and to free dental, ophthalmic and aural services.

All children suffering from certain specified conditions are entitled to free drugs and medicines prescribed for that condition. Other children, irrespective of parents' income, qualify for the drug refund scheme where expenditure on prescribed medicines incurred in respect of any calendar month exceeds £8.

Children under 16 years are generally entitled to hospital services on the same basis as their parents. If the parents are in categories I and II of the population, i.e., with full or limited eligibility for health services the full range of hospital services will be provided free in a public ward. If either parent is in category III of the population, the children will normally be regarded as being in that category also. Hospital services are, however, provided free for all children suffering from prescribed long-term illnesses, irrespective of their parents' income.

Persons over the age of 16 years are regarded as adults for the purposes of health services and entitlement of second level pupils over 16 years of age to services therefore depends on their own eligibility.

The extension of all services to second level school children under 16 years without reference to their parents' means is a matter which will be considered in the light of future developments and the resources available. However, I have already indicated in the House — Dáil Debates Vol. 325 Col. 1561 — on 17 December 1980, my policy in regard to future extension of dental services to second level pupils.

Top
Share