Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 314: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to end the unequal treatment of children attending private primary school in respect of dental and optical treatment in view of the fact that in many cases children are in such schools because no national school places are available locally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7279/07]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 346: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if children who attend private schools at primary level are not entitled to free dental care, regardless of family income; the reason for this rule; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this can create hardship for families of limited means who may, for particular reasons, have to send a child to a private school; if she will review this rule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7645/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 346 together.

The statutory position governing the eligibility of pupils attending national primary schools to health examinations including dental and ophthalmic examinations, under the Health Service Executive (HSE) service is Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970. In the case of dental services the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 and the Health (Dental Services for Children) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 248 of 2000) also applies. 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'.

The Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, contains provision for the amendment of Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970 to provide for a health examination and treatment service for pupils attending any primary school. The Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, also contains provision for the amendment of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1994 to provide dental health services to children attending any primary school. My officials are currently in discussion with the Health Service Executive with a view to ensuring an early commencement of the relevant sections of the Act.