Our mission is to promote and support podiatrists in Ireland by providing professional development, a collective voice and a vibrant community with a shared purpose of recognising and promoting the importance of foot and ankle healthcare. The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland is the professional body representing chiropodists/podiatrists working in both the public and private sectors in Ireland. Formerly The Society of Chiropodists, the organisation has added the word Podiatrists to its title to reflect the use of this term throughout the English-speaking world (the term 'chiropodist' would be little known in countries such as the USA, Australia and South Africa). The Society currently includes around 190 members, many of whom are also members of the UK Society. Members of the Society generally must have completed a 3-4 year degree course leading to a BSc (Hons) in Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry, which normally entails at least 1000 hours of clinical training. However, there are some exceptions. Members who completed their training more than 15 years ago may have a diploma rather than a degree; although courses are offered to upgrade this award to the degree level. A new School of Podiatry has been established at NUI Galway and commenced in the academic year 2008. Regulation of the chiropody/podiatry profession is becoming more important as legislation requiring statutory registration of a number of health professional groups, including chiropodists/podiatrists, comes into effect in Ireland. Most members of the Society are included on the 'HSE List of Approved Chiropodists' entitling them to work in the public sector - e.g., in hospitals, health centres or the GMS scheme.
