Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 2

Written Answers. - Eligibility of Schoolchildren for Ophthalmic Services.

Liam Burke

Ceist:

176 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason all school children attending primary school are not being treated equally in so far as being given free spectacles when prescribed by an eye specialist as a result of an AMD examination in the Southern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Under section 67 subsection (2) of the Health Act, 1970 national school children are entitled to ophthalmic treatment and optical appliances in respect of defects noticed at school health examinations provided by health boards.

I have asked my Department to ensure that these entitlements/conditions are adhered to by health boards.