Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, there is no new information available here. It is really hard on parents of children and young adults, who received this information and were so excited with it, that there is very little detail. This will be a game changer. However, a timeframe for the roll-out is essential and is required sooner rather than later. In the long run, the Exchequer will save money because when diabetes is properly monitored and controlled, the amount of hospital care required will decrease.

I also ask the Minister of State to request the expert group under the HSE's watch to consider the additional roll-out to adults as a matter of urgency. I have no doubt they will monitor closely how it affects children and young adults but we certainly cannot have discrimination in that regard. I concur with my colleague in respect of the petition with 13,000 signatures. That is a lot of signatures and I hope the Minister will accept it from the organisers.

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