Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
435. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding annual recruitment of podiatrists to work in the health service; her views on whether it is adequate to meet demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62338/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra436. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding schemes or incentives in place or under consideration to promote an increase in the number podiatrists working in the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62339/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 435 and 436 together.
The number of registered podiatrists in Ireland as maintained by the Podiatrists Registration Board (PRB) at CORU currently stands at 585 (see [coru.portaleu.thentiacloud.net/webs/portal/register/#/]).
This represents a substantial increase in the numbers previously reported to the Department:
|
Year |
Registered podiatrists |
|
2022 |
135 |
|
2023 |
285 |
|
2024 (May) |
343 |
There have been concerted efforts to increase capacity within the public health system. For example, an additional 27 podiatry student places were provided in the academic year 2023/24, including 2 podiatry student places in Northern Ireland.
The number of podiatrists working as Whole-Time-Equivalents (WTEs) in the Health Service Executive (HSE) has also increased:
|
HSE role |
2019 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 (Sept) |
|
Podiatrists & Chiropodists |
25 |
79 |
82 |
85 |
The number of podiatrists working in the HSE has increased by 7.5% (6 WTEs) since December 2023, and by 60 WTE (240%) since December 2019.
Podiatrists play a vital role in the operation of specialist diabetes teams within the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme which supports people with complicated type 2 diabetes.
