Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 4

Written Answers. - Optical Services.

Noel Ahern

Question:

113 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the services available to a student of secondary school age, whose parents are not medical card holders, who has been diagnosed from an early age that he will always need glasses and was assisted or provided with glasses in primary school and now finds the facility withdrawn; if he will confirm that this is correct; if he will make provision for this category of student; if this student will get benefit on his father's PRSI; and the other school or health board service which is or can be made available. [22773/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of optical services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. Optical appliances are made available by health boards in respect of defects identified at school health examinations.

If the Deputy wishes to provide details in relation to the student in question I will arrange to have the matter examined by the relevant health board. I also wish to advise that my Department recently asked the health board chief executive officers to examine the question of optical services for children in the 12 to 16 years age group, to ensure that a service is available for children after they leave national school.

The question of this student's entitlement under his father's PRSI will be addressed by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs in his reply to the Deputy.