Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the number of referrals for further psychological or medical attention following school medical examinations in each of the past five years and to date in 2012; the full extent to which the procedures required received attention within reasonable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57320/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The policy on school health examinations forms part of the Best for Health for Children guidelines, produced in 1999 and revised in 2006. These guidelines were produced after rigorous evaluation of international literature, and a review of good practice in Ireland and abroad.

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.

As the number of referrals for further psychological or medical attention following school medical examinations is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.