Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I thank the Tánaiste for her reply. She has made great play on her commitment to care of the elderly. Does she agree that one of the most basic and important services one can provide to generally healthy older people is a chiropody service? Does she have a response to the fact that the Health Service Executive sought sanction for an increase in the uniform charge to a level rate throughout the country for domiciliary chiropody services to people in nursing services? Why has the Tánaiste not sanctioned this? Is she aware that a second visit by a chiropodist to a nursing home only accrues €7.03, according to an answer given last month to a parliamentary question? Does the Tánaiste intend to increase charges, outlaw these top-up charges and ensure sufficient chiropodists in the scheme to meet the requirements? She may be aware that elderly people have difficulties in accessing a chiropodist within the scheme.

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