asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the training facilities for chiropodists in Ireland; and if he is satisfied with the number of chiropodists being trained at the present time.
Written Answers. - Training Facilities for Chiropodists.
97.
There is no recognised school of chiropody in this country at present. The Deputy will be aware, however, that the qualification granted by the School of Chiropody in Belfast is currently recognised for employment by the health boards for the provision of chiropody services.
My Department is currently examining policy relating to chiropody. At present the main difficulty to be resolved is that of recognition of chiropodists for employment in the health services. A survey carried out by my Department indicated that there may be up to 100 experienced chiropodists in full time private practice who do not satisfy the training and experience criteria currently applied. My Department is aiming to bring about a situation where these practitioners can be offered the opportunity for assessment for health service employment.
Until this review is completed the number of chiropodists to be trained to match service requirements cannot be assessed.