Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will implement the recommendations of the report of the Health Service Executive's Diabetes Expert Advisory Group by providing 20 new podiatrist posts in view of information that 50% of lower limb amputations could be prevented by early intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45565/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Expert Advisory Group established by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on diabetes published its report in 2008. Following publication, the Group actively engaged in assisting and directing the implementation of the report's recommendations. This has focused on the establishment of an integrated model of care for diabetes patients, on retinopathy and on how podiatry service can be developed to benefit people with diabetes.

The HSE is currently developing a programme for diabetes which will establish an integrated diabetic service between community and hospital. Its objective is to improve specific targets to reduce both acute and chronic complications. It will also include effective foot care to reduce severe infection and amputation in diabetes. The recommendations of the Expert Advisory group will be progressed within the context of the Diabetes programme.