I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 312 together.
As outlined in my responses to the Deputy's previous questions on the matter, responsibility for the establishment of a school of podiatry, including its location, will be a matter, in the final instance for the Department of Education and Science. No decision has yet been taken on the location of the school.
As the Deputy was previously advised, the delivery of clinical training, which is a significant core component of the course, must be facilitated in an integrated manner with Health Service Executive (HSE) services. The HSE has advised the two Departments of its view that the school of podiatry would be best located in a large centre of population, one that is associated with a multi-disciplinary health professional environment and which is linked to a major teaching hospital.
Meetings are continuing at an official level between my Department, the Department of Education and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the HSE to progress the matter. When these discussions are finalised, it is likely that a call for proposals will be made.