Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
920 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will implement the recommendations of the diabetes service development group report, Diabetes: Securing the Future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22319/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met the Diabetes Federation of Ireland on a number of occasions to discuss the document which had been produced by the diabetes service development group, Diabetes: Securing the Future. I was very appreciative of the major effort which had gone into producing the report and identified it as a significant contribution to the debate on the future of diabetes services in this country. I decided to set up a working group to progress the issue further and asked the chief medical officer to act as chairman.
The terms of reference were to examine: the current and predicted epidemiology of diabetes in Ireland; health promotion and preventive activities including screening; current service provision including the need to achieve better integration of care using current resources and the expansion of shares care services and; future needs in terms of service provision and staffing.
The diabetes federation agreed to participate in the group and the chief executive officers of the health boards also nominated a number of professionals in relevant disciplines. The membership is completed by a number of senior officials from relevant policy divisions in the Department.
The group held its first meeting in January 2004 and set out a work programme with a view to having a report as quickly as possible. However, the Diabetes Federation subsequently felt unable to continue to be represented at the group and a number of months passed without a meeting. In July, notwithstanding the continued absence of the federation representatives, the chairman recommenced the meetings of the group and meetings have been held in July and September. Progress has been made on a number of issues and the chairman has informed me that a further meeting is planned for early November. In the meantime, work will continue on progressing this important area of policy development.
