160 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if a public health nurse will be available at Leixlip health centre to carry out developmental checkups on newborn children, in view of the circumstances outlined (details supplied). [37949/10]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

161 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of diabetic foot disease in each community here; the annual cost to the Exchequer of treating the disease; her plans to introduce a national foot screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37959/10]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

162 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the provision of speech and language services after their transfer from the Department of Education and Skills to her Department; the structure that will be put in place based on the proposals in the Education (Amendment) Bill 2010; the number of speech therapists within her Department dealing with children; the waiting time for access to such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37961/10]

The Education (Amendment) Bill 2010 provides for an amendment to the Education Act 1998 to clarify the position in relation to the delivery of speech therapy and other health and personal social services to children of school-going age. It acknowledges the role of the HSE in the delivery of these services under the Health Act 2004. It will not involve a transfer of speech and language therapists from the Department of Education and Skills to the Department of Health and Children as such services are provided by the HSE. The legislative amendment is designed to clarify and reflect this position.

Additional funding of €7.2 million for disability was provided to the HSE in Budget 2009 for the provision of 90 additional therapy posts. These posts are targeted to support children with disabilities of school-going age and include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists. Recruitment for these posts is ongoing. The issue of waiting times for access to speech and language services is a service matter and, accordingly, has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.