3627. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a non-profit initiative to provide evidence-based care to patients with osteoarthritis (details supplied); the measures being taken by her Department to ensure increased funding for physiotherapists to deliver an evidence-based programme for osteoarthritis in primary care which would ensure earlier intervention and possible surgery prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57106/26]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.