Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the decision was taken by her Department to locate the proposed school of podiatry in a large centre of population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18412/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Responsibility for the establishment of a school of podiatry, including its location, will be a matter, in the final instance, for the Department of Education and Science. However, as the Deputy may be aware the delivery of clinical training, which is a significant core component of the course, has been the subject of discussions between officials of my Department and the Department of Education and Science in terms of how best it could be facilitated in an integrated fashion with Health Service Executive (HSE) services.

I understand that the HSE is of the view that the school of podiatry would be best located in a large centre of population, one that is associated with a multi-disciplinary health professional environment and which is linked to a major teaching hospital. I also understand that the HSE has prepared its draft report to be submitted to my Department shortly following an internal circulation to its National Hospital's Office and Primary, Community and Continuing Care Directorates. My Department is currently awaiting this report from the HSE.