John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 178: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding entitlements to the primary school dental service; if entitlement extends to children attending a private or fee-paying school; the reason for refusals and the legislative base for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27173/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Children in specific classes in national school, usually second, fourth and sixth class, are targeted for preventive measures under the school based approach; the children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary; the programme has been specifically designed to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The screening provided in second, fourth and sixth classes ensures that follow up appointments for examination, treatment or orthodontic review are made, as necessary, with the Dental Surgeon in the clinic designated for the particular school(s). Children who have attended national school retain eligibility to dental treatment up to their 16th birthday.

The Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, which was recently adopted by the Oireachtas, contains provision for the amendment of section 66 of the Health Act 1970 and the Health (Amendment) Act, 1994. The amendments provide for dental health examinations for all primary school children whether they are educated in national primary schools, private primary or Montessori schools or who are home taught. It is intended that the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, will be commenced in the near future. The statutory position governing the eligibility of children to dental treatment under the Health Service Executive (HSE) service is Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970, the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 and the Health (Dental Services for Children) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 248 of 2000). Section 66(3) of the Health Act, 1970 states that "When the governing body of a school which is not a national school so requests, a health board may at its discretion by order apply this section to the school."