Vol. 408 No. 1
48 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health whether he intends to discontinue the scheme of medical examinations of primary schoolchildren by visits to the school of the relevant medical personnel; and his views on whether this examination can diagnose medical problems at an early age and thus save not only the children time and discomfort but the health service money by curing ailments before they develop into more complex and costly problems.
52 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health if the preventive health care scheme which was available to all schoolgoing children is still operative; if not, if he will outline the reasons for disbanding this vitally important service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 52 together. The school medical examination service is still in operation and is kept under review on an ongoing basis by my Department. I have no plans to discontinue the service. I am satisfied that the service is an effective means of screening schoolchildren to ensure that any defects or disorders which may inhibit their normal development are detected at the earliest possible stage.
