Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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1253. To ask the Minister for Health the range and nature of diabetes services available to Tipperary-based adults and children at hospitals; and the plans to improve the diabetes services currently serving adults and children in Tipperary. [48405/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Diabetes is a complex condition that can require management across the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery, including self-management support as well as care delivered through general practice, community specialist care and hospital inpatient specialist care.

There have been significant improvements in the quality and delivery of diabetes care in recent years, with more patients being provided with care in the community and at an earlier stage.

The inclusion of Type 2 diabetes as one of the chronic diseases in respect of which GMS patients receive ongoing, structured care from their GP through the Chronic Disease Management Programme represents a major step forward in assisting those living with diabetes to manage their condition. As part of the GP Agreement of 2023, the programme was further expanded to include all women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes since January 2023 in the CDM Preventative Programme.

Research into the Chronic Disease Management Programme has shown that over 90% of patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes, are now successfully managing their conditions in community settings.

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.

Preparations for the development of a National Diabetes Registry are underway. The development of the registry will have a long-term benefit on patient care by facilitating the provision of reliable data regarding diabetes in the population. This will enable health service planners and frontline staff to develop and deliver future services in the most efficient manner within available resources.

In addition, following the publication of the Terms of Reference for a Review of Diabetes Policy and Services, a Steering Group made up of representatives of the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and Diabetes Ireland has drafted a report which is now under consideration. This report includes key findings, recommendations, and set of actions to improve service delivery and patient outcomes.

In relation to the range and nature of diabetes services available to Tipperary-based adults and children at hospitals specifically, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy Directly as soon as possible.