Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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532. To ask the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive will fill the sanctioned posts in relation in the areas of diabetes care in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39396/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The National Integrated Care Diabetes Programme is being implemented on a phased basis. The programme will improve patient access and manage patient care in an integrated manner across service settings, resulting in better outcomes, enhanced clinical decision making and the most effective use of resources.

The Government has approved funding for the appointment of 17 Integrated Care Diabetes Nurse Specialists (one per HSE Integrated Service Area) to support the phased roll out of the programme. These Diabetes Nurse Specialists will work 1 day per week in a hospital setting and 4 days per week in primary care. They will play a key role in the development of clinically sound collaborative links between primary care and secondary care providers and will also be an essential resource in empowering patients to achieve optimum diabetes control. Funding has also been secured to appoint 16 podiatrists.

A number of the above posts have been filled. The recruitment process for the remaining posts is progressing and the aim is to have them filled as soon as possible in 2013.

In relation to the filling of diabetes posts in a specific area, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.