James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide the numbers of podiatrist posts linked to the Midlands Regional Hospital diabetes service and his plans to extend the service to Longford to enhance the care of local diabetes patients and improve their quality of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10272/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes - which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes - was established within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. The purpose of the Programme is to define the way diabetic Clinical Services should be delivered, resourced and measured; and a clinician has been appointed to lead on the development of the programme. One of the objectives of the National Diabetes Programme is to develop a footcare screening and treatment service to prevent foot ulceration and subsequent lower limb amputation. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.