Ms Mary O'Dowd:

The Deputy referred to the report by Dr. Sean Denyer and others entitled Best Health for Children published in 1999. It was a very good document which recommended a screening programme and, subsequently, a package was developed. I wish that I could sit here and say to the committee that the report was rolled out in every area in the country since 1999. Sadly, the report and the recommended training has not been fully implemented.

The Deputy asked me to identify the eight areas that have the scheme. Off the top of my head I recall that the programme was originally in Limerick and was subsequently launched in Donegal, Sligo and Kilkenny. I can only guess the remainder but I know that there are eight areas.

Under the scheme a parent holds on to the record and when he or she visits a GP or goes for a hospital appointment the visits by the public health nurse and any developments are recorded. The record is shared, comes in electronic form and provides lots of data. People may argue that the system needs to be updated but it is a good system.

A question was asked about the dual role of a public health nurse. A public health nurse is assigned to a geographical area. Did Deputy Crown ask a question?