asked the Minister for Health if it is his intention to proceed with the establishment of a formal school of chiropody in Galway.
44.
Written Answers. - Chiropodists Statistics.
14.
asked the Minister for Health the number of chiropodists on the official lists maintained by his Department, who have completed a formal two or three year course at a recognised school of chiropody; and the number who have not done so.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 44 together.
There are at present 86 chiropodists on the Department's official list. Forty-nine of these qualified for admission to the list by virtue of their formal training; 37 did not receive formal training but were admitted, following assessment, on the basis of their training and/or experience.
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 indicates 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 matter can be satisfactorily resolved, decisions on the need for and viability of a school of chiropody in this country cannot be finalised.