Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

This amendment relates to section 66 of the Health Act 1970. It makes provision for dental, ophthalmic and aural health examinations for children. Under the current section 66 of the Health Act 1970, these examinations are confined to children of five years and under or children who attend national primary schools. There is also provision for primary schools which are not registered with the Department of Education and Science to apply to the Health Service Executive to have such examinations carried out in their schools.

Under the ongoing review of eligibility issues, it has been identified that children attending private primary schools and home-taught children are not eligible to receive these health examinations. It has been decided to address the anomaly whereby some children are not eligible to these important developmental tests. The amendment proposed to section 66 of the Health Act 1970 will provide for all primary school or home-taught children to be eligible for dental, ophthalmic and aural health examinations.

With regard to amendment No. 67, the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 is related to section 66 of the Health Act 1970 in that it provides for free dental services for certain children. Similar to section 66 of the Health Act 1970, the services provided for under section 1 of the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 are limited to those who have attended national primary schools. It is intended to deal with this further anomaly whereby certain children are excluded from eligibility to these free dental services. Under this proposed amendment children attending primary school or who are home-taught will be eligible for these dental services.