Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 13 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Care Act Operation.

Batt O'Keeffe

Ceist:

13 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that all health boards are operating sections 66 and 67 of the Health Care Act, 1970, to the full extent with particular reference to ophthalmic testing and provision of glasses as part of the primary schools inspection scheme by the Southern Health Board. [3524/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Sections 66 and 67 of the 1970 Health Act provide that health boards shall make available a health examination and treatment service for pre-school and national school children and shall make available dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances for defects noticed at these examinations. These examinations are to ensure that existing or emerging health problems are picked up at an early age and appropriate treatment provided as soon as possible.

I am satisfied that all health boards are providing an adequate range of examinations under sections 66 and 67 of the 1970 Health Act. My Department has, on previous occasions, reminded the health boards of the statutory entitlements of persons to services for defects discovered at these examinations. I am concerned that not all children in the Southern Health Board area who are found to have vision defects which require the provision of spectacles are being provided with spectacles free of charge. I have asked my Department to again request all health boards to ensure that these statutory entitlements are fulfilled.