Chiropody services in Ireland

Information

Chiropodists/podiatrists in Ireland assess, diagnose and treat diseases and abnormalities of the foot. Their work can vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on the problem. The aim of chiropody/podiatry services is to cure the patient's problem and where possible, prevent recurrence of existing foot problems or the development of new foot problems. Health promotion is another important aspect of the chiropodist's work.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is not legally obliged to provide chiropody/podiatry services but where they do, services may be provided by the Local Health Office or by voluntary organisations on behalf of the HSE. Where the service is available, it is free to medical card holders and people with Hepatitis C who contracted the disease through the use of Human Immunoglobulin-Anti-D or from the receipt within Ireland of any blood product or a blood transfusion and who have a Health Amendment Act Card.

Tax relief and chiropody services

Non-medical card holders may be able to claim tax relief on chiropody services if you are required to attend as part of medical treatment. (That is, you have a significant disability or a serious illness, etc. and your doctor directs you attend chiropody services). You may also be able to claim tax relief on any doctors visits and prescription drugs associated with this care.

If you are making a claim for expenses incurred in 2006, you should download and complete form Med 1 and send this along with your P60 from 2006 to your local tax office in order to claim a refund. Since 1 January 2005, the time limit on claims for repayment of tax is four years.

Registration of chiropodists/podiatrists

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (pdf) came into effect in 2005. This legislation provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for certain health and social care professionals. (Chiropodists/podiatrists are among the groups that will be regulated).

Before state registration of chiropodists/podiatrists (and certain other health and social care professionals) comes into effect, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council must be established. The Department of Health is currently in discussions regarding the establishment of the Council. Read more about registration of social care professionals in Ireland here.

Chiropodists/podiatrists in Ireland are therefore not currently state registered, nor is there a single body that regulates all chiropodists/podiatrists practising in Ireland today. The HSE are currently responsible for assessing chiropodists/podiatrists who wish to work in the public health service in Ireland.

There are four separate professional bodies representing chiropodists/podiatrists in Ireland. If you require further information about chiropody in Ireland or wish to check whether your practitioner is a registered member of one of these organisations, you should contact the appropriate body. (See 'Where to apply' below).

Rules

Chiropody services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) vary but usually the HSE gives priority to the following groups:

• Medical card holders who are aged 66 and over (everyone aged 70 or over is entitled to a medical card),
• People who have contracted Hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of Human Immunoglobulin-Anti-D or from the receipt within Ireland of any blood product or a blood transfusion and who have Health Amendment Act Cards,
• People who have illnesses such as diabetes or arthritis and
• People with disabilities.

The service is usually provided at health centres or Health Service Executive (HSE) clinics. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to get a chiropody service at home.

How to apply

You can be referred for chiropody services by your family doctor (GP) or public health nurse.

Where to apply

Contact your family doctor (GP) or public health nurse for information on chiropody services in your area.

Contact information for your local tax office. Information on tax relief and medical expenses is available here.
To check if your practitioner is a registered member of one of the 4 chiropody/podiatry organisations, you should contact the appropriate body below: