Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 168 of 29 November 2005, the status of the organisation of the tendering process; the discussions held with the Department of Education and Science on the topic; the dates of such discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11434/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the establishment of a new school of podiatry, which is a matter for the Department of Education and Science. I am conscious of the need for such a new school, which may involve the organisation of a tendering process.

Officials from the Department of Health and Children met their counterparts from the Department of Education and Science in August 2005. A second meeting between officials from the Departments took place last January, when the Department of Health and Children focused on how clinical training in podiatry could best be facilitated in a manner that is integrated with Health Service Executive services. The HSE is considering its approach to the issue and is expected to respond to my Department in the coming weeks in this regard.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 168 of 29 November 2005, the steps which she is taking to address the shortage of registered podiatrists here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11435/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The recently enacted Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a podiatrists' registration board, which will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a register of podiatrists. Statutory registration will involve podiatrists working in the public health service and in private practice. The Department of Health and Children is working on the establishment of a council of health and social care professionals in advance of the establishment of the podiatrists' registration board.

In advance of the establishment of the council and the registration board, the Health Service Executive and the Department are liaising with the relevant professional bodies on the further development of an assessment system to add podiatrists to a list of practitioners eligible to practice in the public health service. An assessment process carried out by the Department resulted in the addition of a further 81 names to the list in April 2005. The assessment process will be advanced further in the context of improving the supply of podiatry professionals. Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Science on the proposed establishment of a new school of podiatry to train practitioners to degree level.