Vol. 495 No. 1
260 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of chiropody practitioners participating in the Eastern Health Board scheme; the cost of providing this service; if he has satisfied himself that all qualified cases are being attended to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19484/98]
The Eastern Health Board has advised me that at present there are 57 practitioners participating in its chiropody scheme at an estimated cost of £690,000 in 1998. The board informs me that to qualify for treatment the applicant must be 65 years or over and in receipt of a medical card. Each approved applicant is issued with a chiropody card entitling the holder to three treatments per annum. Extra treatments may be authorised for applicants who are certified as being in need of such treatments by a medical practitioner. This service is also available to medical card holders who are medically compromised including the disabled.
The board has assured me that its policy is to provide services to all qualified cases and to extend services where a shortfall is identified for whatever reason.
