Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a suggestion that the laboratory in Beaumont Hospital which currently analyses the results of smear tests has a question mark over its future, despite the fact that there is a shortage of capacity to undertake this analysis here; and if she will make arrangements to secure its future. [11243/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a family (details supplied) in County Kildare can have two separate consultations for their children that are in mainstream education and their child that is in an autistic school has had no consultations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11248/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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). Responsibility for delivery of health services is a matter for the HSE.

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 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 to the relevant sections of the Act.