Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with frequency and extent of school examinations with a view to identifying at an early stage children's health problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32656/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The policy on school health examinations forms part of the Best Health for Children guidelines, produced in 1999 and revised in 2006. These guidelines were produced after a rigorous evaluation of international literature, and a review of good practice in Ireland and abroad. A comprehensive training programme for staff working in this area was also developed. The policy is kept under review, and will be re-visited in 2012 as part of the HSE work plan.

New governance structures are also being put in place in relation to child health screening and surveillance in the HSE which will further improve the quality assurance of the process. The World Health Organisation in 2007, in a review of child health in Europe, commended the Best Health for Children approach adopted by Ireland as an example of good practice.

The Best Health for Children guidelines sets out a clear timetable for child health checks and details what is required at each stage. I have asked the HSE to prepare a report on the extent to which the guidelines are implemented. The guidelines are available on the HSE website.