asked the Minister for Health the present position in relation to the school medical examination system in Cork city.
Written Answers. - Cork Schools Medical Examination System.
182.
Over the two year period 1986 and 1987 (the latest years for which figures are available) 96 per cent of national schools in Cork city were visited by the school medical team. A total of 29,309 children were examined which represents approximately 32 per cent of the total school population.
In 1988 a revised school medical examination system is being implemented in the Southern Health Board area. Under the revised scheme it is intended that every school will be visited but that examinations will be confined to particular classes as follows:
(a) Junior infants — vision test will be carried out by the school nurse or by the local public health nurse in the case of small rural schools.
(b) First class — full medical examination by doctor.
(c) Sixth class — vision tests by school nurse and scoliosis screening of girls only by the area medical officer.
(d) Other pupils — there will be selective examination of other children specifically referred by teachers or parents or recalled by the area medical officer on the basis of previous school medical.
The revised system should provide for the delivery of the agreed school medical service to every school every year.