Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1161. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the entitlements that are available for children under seven years of age in terms of early intervention healthcare such as dental checks, hearing tests, eye tests and general medical check-ups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63158/22]
View answerDental services for children up to 16 years of age are provided by the Public Dental Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE) through its dental clinics. HSE dental clinics provide a screening and fissure sealant programme for children at key stages of development, that is, children aged six to eight; children aged 11 to 16; and, where resources are available, children aged nine to 11. Emergency care for children up to 16 years of age is also provided.
The HSE Community Audiology Service provides a full range of hearing assessments to identify the presence (type, degree and configuration) of a hearing loss in children of all ages. All babies born in Ireland are offered a newborn hearing screening in order to check whether a baby has permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. Further hearing tests may be offered at later stages (e.g., when a child starts school at 4 or 5) or if a child is referred to the Service by their GP or other healthcare professionals.
Audiology services, including the provision of hearing aids (if needed), are free for all children under the age of 18. Those presenting in primary care settings with certain medical concerns are referred to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services. ENT departments in hospitals treat acute hearing problems. They assess and treat hearing problems with surgery or medication if required. Where the ENT consultant identifies a longer-term (or 'chronic') hearing problem that cannot be treated with surgery or medication, they may refer the child to the HSE audiology service.
All children, including those not covered by a medical card, receive a vision screen while in national school from a Public Health Nurse. The HSE provides optical services free of charge to pre-school children and national school children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate consultant for treatment. In such circumstances, these services will continue to be provided until the child has reached the age of 16.
Children’s development is monitored by Public Health Nurses. This includes regular checks at 3 months, 9-11 months, 18-24 months, and 31/4 - 31/2 years. All stages of checks include assessing physical development such as growth, posture, and motor skills. Checks after 9 months include assessment of a child’s psychological development through social, emotional, and play behaviours.
