Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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353. To ask the Minister for Health if an impact assessment was carried out prior to the decision of the HSE to withdraw chiropody services in general practice for people with diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21852/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Podiatry specialises in the management and treatment of disorders affecting the lower limb. Podiatry can significantly improve a person’s quality of life by promoting and maintaining mobility.

The availability of podiatry services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) varies across the country. Where provided, medical card holders aged 65 and over, people with certain illnesses (such as diabetes or arthritis), and people with disabilities usually get priority.

Enquiries can be made through the local GP, Public Health Nurse, or Local Health Office (LHO) regarding chiropody services that are available.

Significant resources have been allocated under the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme to establish Specialist Diabetes teams within community hubs to better support GPs to manage people with complicated diabetes.

Where necessary, GPs can refer these patients into ECC Chronic Disease teams, where further specialist services are provided, such as podiatry, dietary advice, and if necessary, access to consultant-level care in the community.

With respect to the specific matter raised, this is a service matter and I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.