Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
662. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health to report on current participation rates in the national diabetic retinopathy screening programme and other structured screening for diabetes-related complications (including foot and kidney disease); to set out any plans to expand eligibility, outreach and capacity to improve early detection and prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65086/25]
View answerUnder the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The General Practitioner (GP) Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme commenced in 2020 and has been rolled out on a phased basis to adult GMS (Medical Card and GP Visit Card) patients over a 4-year period.
Diabetes is one of the conditions included in the CDM Programme. Eligible patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are enrolled in the CDM Treatment Programme, which includes two scheduled reviews with a GP each year, and a preceding visit with their practice nurse for physical examination, bloods and education.
Those found to be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes are enrolled in the CDM Prevention Programme, which includes one scheduled review with a GP each year preceded by a visit to the practice nurse.
An examination of the foot forms part of the care provided in the CDM programme, and where necessary patients can be referred for further foot care in the community or in an acute setting.
Work to expand the CDM programme to include chronic kidney disease, among other conditions, is underway.
In addition to the CDM programme the HSE provide access to a Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP). The DPP offers participants a 12-month block of care which includes an individualised assessment prior to commencing a group programme which includes weekly and monthly group sessions where participants learn how to manage pre-diabetes.
The Government is committed to developing a strategy for diabetes care, as outlined in the Programme for Government.
Following the publication of the Terms of Reference for a Review of Diabetes Policy and Services, a Steering Group made up of representatives of the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and Diabetes Ireland, was established in July 2024 to lead on the Diabetes Policy and Services Review.
The Diabetes Policy and Services Review report has been drafted and submitted to the Department of Health for consideration. Decisions on the next steps in relation to the report will follow this consideration.
The report sets out a number of recommendations for development of services at national and regional levels, including in relation to better supporting people living with diabetes.
With respect to the estimated current participation rates in the national diabetic retinopathy screening programme and other structured screening for diabetes-related complications, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
