Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
934. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason HSE chiropody cards are currently only available to individuals living in Dublin and Kildare; if her Department plans to expand the availability of these cards countrywide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14126/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraChiropodists/podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat conditions and abnormalities of the foot and lower limb. These services can significantly improve a person's quality of life by alleviating painful symptoms and maintaining mobility. The demand for such services is increasing due to our aging demographic.
The availability of chiropody services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) varies across the country. Where chiropody services are provided by the HSE the following groups usually get priority:
• Medical card holders who are aged 65 and over.
• People who have Health Amendment Act Cards.
• People who have illnesses such as diabetes or arthritis.
• People with disabilities.
People can make enquiries with their GP, Public Health Nurse, or Local Health Office for information about which chiropody services are available in their area.
The HSE have advised that in County Dublin and County Wicklow primarily, there has been a long-standing chiropody treatment card scheme, where qualified podiatrists can apply to be on a register as a HSE approved chiropodist/podiatrist. Once approved, patients can request to attend the private podiatrist clinic or request a domiciliary visit from a private podiatrist.
Medical card holders over the age of 65 years or people with diabetes who hold a medical card (or in some cases, a Long Term Illness card), can apply for a chiropody treatment card. Each person under this scheme can avail of 3-6 treatments per year. The HSE pays the private podiatrist €33.41 for a domiciliary visit and €22.88 for a clinical visit. The patients then top up the payment themselves and the fee is determined by the podiatrist.
Consideration of any changes to this scheme will be made in the context of the budget available to progress current healthcare priorities, including commitments in the Programme for Government.
As the Deputy has also raised a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
