291 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients in counties Sligo and Leitrim treated for foot ulcerations which did not require a full or partial amputation in 2007 and 2008; and the number of these patients who had diabetes mellitus. [4701/10]

292 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients under 65 years in counties Sligo and Leitrim treated for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation in 2007 and 2008; and the number of those patients who had diabetes mellitus. [4702/10]

293 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full or partial lower limb amputations carried out on patients residing in counties Sligo and Leitrim in 2007 and 2008; and the number of those patients who had diabetes mellitus. [4703/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 to 293, inclusive, together.

The information requested is contained in the table below.

Source: Hospital Inpatient Enquiry.

Note: Data refer to discharges from publicly funded acute hospitals. Private hospitals are not included.

Note: For reasons of patient confidentiality it is standard policy not to report cells of less than 5 cases. These cells have been marked with ‘—'.

The HSE is currently developing a programme for diabetes which will establish an integrated diabetic service between community and hospital. Its objective is to improve specific targets to reduce both acute and chronic complications. It will also include effective foot care to reduce severe infection and amputation in diabetes. The recommendations of the Expert Advisory group will be progressed within the context of the Diabetes programme.