Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. I wish to advise him and the House that the theme of this year's World Diabetes Day is education and prevention. That is why I have chosen to make this matter my choice for Leaders' Questions. It is hugely important the we give a lead from this House in this regard.

In 2008, the national retinopathy screening committee developed a framework for a national screening service, which has been approved by the HSE with the endorsement of the Irish College of Ophthalmologists and patient groups. The report stressed the effectiveness of early detection through a population-based screening programme which will seek to identify all diagnosed people with diabetes and offer them annual screening followed by treatment as necessary.

Last year, we were promised 17 integrated care diabetes nurse specialists and 16 podiatrists to support the phased roll out of the programme. Today, however, many of these posts remain unfilled. Given the urgent need involved, when will all these positions be filled? When will we have a full roll-out of a national screening programme for diabetic retinopathy?

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