Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Health his plans for funding the Osteoporosis Society in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37346/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the Health Service Executive already has an extensive programme of work aimed at reducing the burden of Osteoporosis among the Irish population. This programme includes work across hospital, primary care and community settings involving geriatricians, services for older people, primary care and health promotion specialists. All of the above have implied responsibility for prevention, treatment and care. Services provided range from bone density scanning to falls prevention programmes and the issue has been identified as a key priority by all regions in the last 4 years and again for 2012.

From a disease prevention and management perspective, the Health Promotion Services incorporate this specific topic across all its programmes. Specifically these are Dietetic treatment and education programmes (72 Community Dietitians are employed), smoking cessation (as smokers are at greater risk of developing this disease), physical activity programmes (as exercise strengthens bone and muscle thus prevention development of osteoporosis), women's health programmes as this population group are most at risk and many other community programmes across the spectrum of risk factors for Osteoporosis.

Finally, I have requested my officials and the HSE to meet with the Irish Osteoporosis Society. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss further the issues and concerns that have arisen in relation to funding.