Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Health was in the House yesterday but I would like him to come back shortly. Yesterday's short debate was good and I was delighted that my colleague, Senator Crown, had the opportunity to influence the Minister regarding the new children's hospital. He encouraged us all to support the Minister wholeheartedly to ensure the hospital is built as a matter of urgency.

I refer to a topic which came to light only recently. A total of 781 diabetic related lower limb amputations took place over the past two years in the State, which was a 20% increase on the previous two years. One person goes blind every week due to diabetes. The scandal is that we funded this two years ago but the money has not been used. For example,16 foot care posts relating to diabetes were vacant but nine remain unfilled and the paediatric and diabetes posts in Cork, Limerick and Galway have not even been advertised. The money was allocated two years ago, yet the first step has not been taken. I was startled by the figures. I did not realise the number of amputations or the incidence of blindness related to diabetes but I am scandalised by the fact that money was allocated two years ago and has not been used. I believe the Minister needs to have this drawn to his attention and I hope on a future visit by him to the House we will have the opportunity to debate it.