Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. I welcome that funding was provided for the start of the national diabetic register because it certainly is something for which I have asked here in the past. It is needed because it shows the roadmap as to where the issues are and how people are being dealt with. It is important that we move to a model whereby everybody, where possible, should have a diabetic pump, especially those who have type 1 diabetes. We must move towards that as quickly as possible because it is a life-changing experience for people.

Certainly, I believe we need to invest in diabetic nurses because they have the time and are able to advise the patients as to what their issues are and they often prevent them from having to go to hospital. I believe it is a condition in which a lot more investment is needed. I welcome that there has been a lot to date, but more to come.