Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Health and Children to acknowledge international research findings that instances of diabetic foot disease can be reduced by over 50% with foot screening and an annual check-up for diabetic patients; to acknowledge that an investment of €1.56 million per annum in employing 20 podiatrists for diabetes would provide a nationwide podiatry service pursuant to the Health Service Executive's diabetes expert advisory group report, April 2008; if she will establish a diabetic foot disease screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35552/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Matters relating to services have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. I acknowledge the evidence of the benefits of early interventions for diabetes patients suffering foot problems. GPs are competent in managing diabetes and all of its complications including those affecting the foot. In relation to the diabetic foot screening programme, this has been prioritised under the National Diabetes Programme. This initiative is currently at an advanced planning stage and several meetings have been held between the various stakeholders, including clinical specialists, podiatrists, diabetes specialist nurses and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. It is hoped that the programme will encompass not just foot screening but care of patients with at-risk feet. It will provide for the prevention and management of foot ulcers, thereby reducing the number of hospital in-patients beds occupied by patients with foot problems. The programme will also establish referral pathways with rapid access to specialised care within a multidisciplinary foot-care service. The cost of implementation of the proposed programme will be met from within current resources.