Vol. 480 No. 6
282 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the complaints, if any, he has received regarding the frequency and adequacy of the health screening of children in schools; the type of health screening which occurs in schools; the body responsible for school health screening; if his Department has carried out any appraisal of school health screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14697/97]
Health boards are statutorily responsible for the provision of child health services. The service is based on a comprehensive medical examination of selected classes and/or on referrals from schools. In addition, screening for vision and hearing defects of selected classes is routinely undertaken. Services are provided free of charge for all necessary follow-up services for defects discovered at such examinations.
The child health services are currently under review. The first stage of the review consisted of a study commissioned by the Department. The second stage, involving a health board working group, is at present under way and is expected to be completed in 1997.
