Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand fully the Senator's concerns. Children with diabetes can have a poor episode very quickly and parents need to be reassured. The main point made to me by parents was that having a specialist nurse at the end of a phone line to give reassurance is crucial. The introduction of the insulin pump is also vitally important, particularly for very young children because it allows for greater control of insulin levels. Parents become expert at adjusting insulin levels as required. When children with diabetes are out playing soccer, hurling or football, for example, parents quickly learn how much food and insulin they need in those circumstances. All of that has improved significantly. That said, I do not dismiss the worries of people who are living in more remote areas in terms of quick access to services but having a specialist nurse at the end of a phone line is enormously helpful.