Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013
337. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will evaluate the prospects of the moratorium on recruitment being lifted for the Health Service Executive's optometry service for children in primary schools, so that clinical staff can be employed to treat children assessed at school and placed on a treatment waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54807/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans to alleviate the waiting list for follow on treatment for children that have been screened at primary school and have been placed on the waiting list for optometry services by the Health Service Executive specifically in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54808/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 338 together.
The reduction in size of the public service has been an essential component of the approach to addressing the State’s fiscal difficulties. This has been combined with a firm focus on improving public service efficiency and effectiveness. The Haddington Road Agreement provides for some five million additional working hours annually. These measures will enable the health service to continue to reduce overall numbers, while maintaining services and service levels to the greatest possible extent.
The Health Service Executive provides a sight testing service as part of the school health screening programme for children of primary school age. The screening service is provided by public health nurses and area medical officers. Children who are identified as requiring treatment or intervention are referred to the HSE ophthalmic service for follow up. Urgent cases are given priority and less urgent cases are dealt with as quickly as possible. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the issue of optometry services in Co. Meath.
