§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his policy with respect to providing the radial keratotomy procedure in the health service; what assessment he has made as to its efficacy; and if he will make a statement on its acceptance in respect of police appointments. [11197]
§ Mr. MossRadial keratotomy is not routinely available in the health and personal social services in Northern Ireland. The procedure is often viewed as cosmetic since short-sightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It would be a matter for health and social services boards and general practitioner fundholders to decide whether or not to purchase this procedure based on the health needs of their population.
A person who has had radial keratotomy is not regarded as acceptable for recruitment to the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the Reserve, as is also the case for most UK police forces and the armed forces. This advice has been included in recent medical guidelines circulated to the police service by the Home Office.