Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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220. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that funding is put in place to ensure that the Health Service Executive Chiropody Service will reinstate the provision of a further three chiropody visits on medical grounds, on top of the initial three visits, for patients who have an acute need in this regards; his views on whether this cut will not lead to financial savings as it will put further pressure on hospital services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29586/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Community chiropody is a discretionary service, which the Health Service Executive endeavours to provide on a prioritised basis based on medical need and within the context of available resources. The services are provided by chiropodists/podiatrists employed by the HSE, chiropodists/podiatrists contracted under the GMS Scheme and through grant-aided voluntary agencies. In the past when budgets permitted, additional discretionary visits were sometimes available in areas where the service was provided by chiropodists/podiatrists contracted under the GMS scheme. Given the current position of the public finances, it is not possible to continue providing such additional services. The HSE will continue to monitor the provision of chiropody services to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.