Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. The parents have been indicating for a long time that they believe the resources for diabetes paediatric care in Letterkenny General Hospital are inadequate for the number of children that are attending there.

Although the appointment of an additional clinical nurse specialist in the community who will focus on adults is welcome and will improve the overall level of service provided to diabetes patients in Donegal, it does not enhance the level of staffing that parents believe is necessary to meet demand at the hospital. Some 145 or 150 children are involved. According to the Department's own policy, this number is sufficient for 1.5 dedicated diabetes nurses.

We are seeking a commitment from the Minister to allocate a dedicated paediatric nursing post to the hospital at a minimum, as there is none currently. This is what the parents want. I welcome the Minister's statement that he will re-examine the current setup of the centres of excellence, given the fact that there are five south of the Galway-Dublin line and none above. Will the Minister indicate a timeline for a response on what can be delivered in that respect?

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