asked the Minister for Health if he has had representations from organisations representing chiropodists regarding the desirability of establishing a training school for chiropodists in this country, in view of the fact that persons at present have to go to the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland to train; if he will financially support the establishment of such a school; if a school is funded privately, if its qualifications will be recognised by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chiropody Training School.
114.
A Chiropody Review Group broadly representative of chiropody, medical and health administration personnel has recently been established to submit recommendations to me on aspects of the provision of chiropody services. Chiropody representative organisations during the course of the review have referred to the absence of a recognised chiropody training school in Ireland. I understand, however, that it is intended that this matter will be discussed prior to the completion of the review group proceedings. The group's recommendations, which I expect by the end of the year, will provide material which will facilitate a determination as to whether it would be justified to promote the establishment of such a training school at this time.