Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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21. To ask the Minister for Health the reason Letterkenny university hospital did not receive funding for two ANP posts specialising in diabetes; when funding will be provided for the posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40771/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Letterkenny University hospital provides essential high-quality hospital care to patients in the Northwest. I can assure the Deputy of the continued commitment to develop the diabetes service at the Hospital.

Adult diabetes services at Letterkenny are currently provided by a consultant endocrinologist, supported by a locum consultant general physician with an interest in diabetes. In order to address waiting lists, additional clinics are provided on a monthly basis. Further, the Saolta Healthcare Group has advised that it has made an application for approval of a second consultant endocrinologist and this is currently being considered by the HSE's Consultant Application Advisory Committee.

On 28 June, I met with the Donegal Branch of Diabetes Ireland, the HSE and the Saolta Healthcare Group to discuss the current challenges and future development of diabetes services in the Northwest. Following that meeting, officials of my Department requested the HSE to assess the scope to progress a number of action points in relation to the provision of services for paediatric and adult diabetes in County Donegal, including the progression of two Advanced Nurse Practitioners posts for Letterkenny University Hospital. I appreciate that some actions will be dependent on funding and will need to be considered once the Budget and National Service Plan for 2018 are finalised.