Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. The problem is that the demand for podiatry healthcare professionals is growing everywhere. It is not only in CHO 4. This is in part due to an ageing population, with people living longer, and the increased prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes. Obviously, as Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people, I am proud of the fact that we have the highest life expectancy in the EU, as deemed by the World Health Organization, and support older people to age in place. Podiatry services are necessary to ensure that people have access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time, which we are aiming for under Sláintecare. The HSE advises that every effort is being made to fill the current podiatry vacancies in CHO 4. The Minister, Deputy Donnelly, agrees that there needs to be a robust campaign to ensure the recruitment of suitable staff to these important vacant posts. At times, when I hear people saying it is very hard to recruit, I wonder because we are recruiting into some of the most scenic areas in the whole country. We often see challenges with filling posts in child and adolescent mental health services in Donegal, Kerry and many different counties. I find that hard to believe because we are recruiting into beautiful areas.