Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Health Service Executive has advised my Department that approval for a locum dietitian in Cork north has been given and the recruitment process is under way. The Health Service Executive envisages that this post will be filled by late June. I am also pleased to advise the Deputy that the Health Service Executive has further informed my Department that the vacant post for a dietitian in North Lee has been filled and the successful dietitian for this position is due to start work in July. The situation with vacant positions arose due to staff absences as a direct result of statutory leave such as maternity leave.

As the Deputy is aware, dietitians lead the development and provision of clinical services and programmes targeted to prevent and treat malnutrition, diabetes and obesity in both adults and children. Community dietitians work in the HSE alongside GPs and other HSE health professionals as part of the primary care team. Community dietitians are also involved with nutrition health promotion work in the community and training other health professionals regarding nutrition.

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