Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I will use the opportunity to add to what has been said in support of the motion. It is welcome that the focus is being placed on the issue of diabetes tonight and it is appropriate and opportune that we are having this debate. I do not have diabetes, but my nephew who is my godson was diagnosed with it a number of days ago. Therefore, I am aware of the difficulty it causes for him as a young adult.

Diabetes is a medical condition the incidence of which is increasing in the population. I commend the Diabetes Federation of Ireland for the work it has done. I also commend the Donegal branch of the federation; its chairperson, Mr. Danny McDaid, whom I know, and all the people involved who are doing outstanding work in raising awareness of diabetes and campaigning and fund-raising to finance the activities the federation undertakes.

The research carried out by the federation was mentioned by other contributors to the debate. It shows that 5% of the population have diabetes and that this figure will increase by 37% in the next ten years. A total of 10% of the health care budget was spent on the treatment of diabetes in 2008, with 60% of the €1.6 billion being spent on dealing with diabetes complications. I was taken aback when I saw that statistic in the research. Worldwide, a limb is lost every 30 seconds due to diabetes. The risk of amputation is 20 to 40 times higher in patients with diabetes. A total of 338 people with diabetes had a lower limb amputated in 2008, at a minimum inpatient cost of €1.1 million. This does not include other expenses such as the cost of antibiotics and wound dressings; ongoing direct outpatient, social welfare and housing alteration costs, as well as the many other costs associated with this procedure. When added together, the final cost to the Exchequer is huge and unnecessary. In addition, there are the costs relating to those patients who require treatment for foot ulcers but who do not require an amputation. The five year mortality rate for patients who have had a limb amputated is significantly higher than that for patients who have had breast or prostate cancer surgery, a fact Senator Norris mentioned.

The Diabetes Federation of Ireland has proposed a model of care which would identify those at risk of amputation as a result of diabetes. A pilot project being funded by the federation in Galway suggests identification of an at-risk foot ulcer does not require intense training or high tech equipment. The screening assessments can be easily performed in 15 to 20 minutes by trained practice nurses during the patient's annual check-up as part of an integrated model of care which would allow easy referral, where necessary. To date, 580 patients have been screened as part of the study, with 15% being categorised as high risk, requiring appropriate follow-up action. One podiatrist assigned to the local diabetics clinic is co-ordinating practice nurse training and managing referral pathways. The authors of the motion might have had this study in mind when they were framing it because this is the type of development envisaged in the final part of the motion which refers to models for ongoing treatment and management of the disease and its complications.

I support the motion and the focus on the issue of diabetes. However, with regard to the pilot scheme, will the models for ongoing treatment and management of the disease and its complications be put in place? We must consider this in the context of the current financial situation. It certainly will not happen if the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and her Government colleagues have their way with regard to the €600 million to €1 billion to be taken out of the health budget in December. I commend Fianna Fáil Senators for proposing the motion, but if they are sincere, they must oppose the health cuts which can only result in misery for diabetes sufferers and patients throughout public health services.

I am glad I have had an opportunity to contribute to the debate. There is no proposed amendment to the motion which is only right as there is good work being done on the issue. A great deal of State money is being spent, but more work could be done. In that regard, the Diabetes Federation of Ireland has led the way. Let us consider positive actions that would result in a saving for the Exchequer and, more importantly, will ease the pain, discomfort and difficulties suffered by those who have contracted diabetes. It would be a benefit to the patient, the health service and the State.