353 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of resources made available by the Health Service Executive for the eye clinic in Newcastle West; and if there has been a reduction in same or plans to increase the level of service. [6413/07]

Ophthalmic services are provided free of charge to certain groups of people, including medical card holders and primary school children, under Section 67 of the Health Act, 1970. These services are provided from a variety of locations including health centres and clinics.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, including eye clinics, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.