Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 31: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she intends to introduce to prevent and to treat diabetes in view of the fact that the incidence of diabetes in Ireland is set to double by the year 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9452/05]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the prevention and treatment of diabetes here is up to international standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9455/05]

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 74: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether there is an adequate number of doctors, nurses and dieticians in the health system to deal with diabetes patients; if she has plans to improve this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9451/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 65 and 74 together.

Diabetes mellitus is an important public health condition which has become more common in developed countries over recent years due to an ageing population and lifestyle factors. There is, however, scope for prevention where good integration between primary and secondary care services and multi-disciplinary working is considered key to enhancing the quality of life of individuals with diabetes.

In 2004, the Minister for Health and Children established a national diabetes group chaired by the chief medical officer to review diabetes and make recommendations for future service needs including preventive initiatives. The group has received a number of submissions and reviewed the international experiences relating to the prevention and management of diabetes. People with diabetes are diagnosed and treated in a number of different settings within our health services. A key requirement is a patient-centred model in which diabetes services are planned and delivered across the traditional, professional and organisational boundaries to focus on meeting patients' needs. This also applies to the prevention of diabetes and its complications. The diabetes strategy will provide a framework for the delivery of diabetes services within the HSE and it is proposed to enter into consultation with the executive as to the most appropriate way to progress this issue.