Conor Lenihan
Question:253 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, the Eastern Health Board has to counter the serious problem of head lice in schools. [7416/98]
Written Answers. - Head Lice Incidence.
Conor Lenihan
Question:254 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are fears of a renewed out-break of head lice in a number of Dublin schools; and the measures, if any, the health boards will take to counter this problem. [7417/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
I am advised by the Eastern Health Board that they are not aware of fears of a renewed outbreak of head lice in a number of Dubln schools. However, the board states that the concerns expressed by the Deputy will be brought to the attention of senior community care staff with a request for extra vigilance.
When an outbreak of head lice is reported in an individual school the procedure is that a public health nurse, on occasion accompanied by an area medical officer, visits the school and advises on measures to be taken to deal with the problem.