Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health in understanding the importance of tackling diabetes foot disease in the community and in keeping persons with this health complication out of hospital and healthy and mobile, if he will consider filling the podiatry post at St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny, which was initially sanctioned in April 2012, and was planned as part of the national footcare programme to tackle the increase in diabetes related foot ulcers and amputations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58094/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes - which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes - was established within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. The purpose of the Programme is to define the way diabetic Clinical Services should be delivered, resourced and measured; and a clinician has been appointed to lead on the development of the programme. One of the objectives of the National Diabetes Programme is to develop a footcare screening and treatment service to prevent foot ulceration and subsequent lower limb amputation.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, , I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.