Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I will not respond to that question because we must consider it in the context of the provision of services. One cannot have one without the other, if that does not sound like a cliché. There are large deficits at community level in chiropody services. I will shortly examine the issues which arise regarding fees. Confusion also arises on who is eligible for what and no statutory basis exists for that. All these matters must be dealt with. I am anxious to ensure that vulnerable groups of patients, in particular elderly patients, have regular access to appropriate chiropody services. In so far as the fee influences that, it must be reviewed.

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