Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
1042. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the arrangements he has made to reinstate full child health screening and developmental checks and to retrospectively screen all children who have missed any of their screening appointments since the start of the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14817/22]
View answerChild development checks are provided by Public Health Nurses alongside a range of other community healthcare services.
Since March 2020, many Public Health Nursing staff have been redeployed to support COVID-19 related clinical activities including providing clinical leadership and direct support in the establishment of COVID-19 vaccination clinics. This redeployment of staff has had a significant impact on the capacity of the Public Health Nursing service to deliver the core child health screening and surveillance programme. However, as public health nursing staff returned to their core duties, child development check services were prioritised. Any parents with a concern should contact their GP or local HSE Public Health Nursing service.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Government is investing €195m in 2022 under the Enhanced Community Care programme which will support recruitment of around 3,500 primary and community staff, including more nursing staff.
