Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe the expert advisory group on diabetes is to deliver recommendations for a national strategy. [15290/07]

Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the expert advisory group on diabetes is examining treatment options and services around the country in order to deliver the national strategy which it will recommend. [15291/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.

The EAG (Expert Advisory Group) on Diabetes which was established by the HSE is currently drawing up standards of care for diabetes. This process will take account of the Department of Health and Children's document 'Diabetes: Prevention and Model for Patient Care'. The EAG have identified the areas of diabetes care that need priority attention such as retinopathy screening, pediatric diabetes, patient education and empowerment, and podiatry. The EAG have subgroups working in each area and it is expected to have recommendations for the May meeting. The priority areas will inform the development of a national strategy.

The EAG is hoping to set up regional Diabetes Service Advisory Groups to assist with the local implementation of the expert advisory groups recommendations. These local groups would have representatives from all those involved, including patients and parents of children with diabetes.