The lack of a school of podiatry, the care and treatment of feet, was criticised at the annual conference of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in Dublin at the weekend.
Ms Pam Sabine, chairwoman of the society's council, said members were forced to study for their degrees in the UK. This problem was reflected in the inadequate provision of public podiatry services to those most in need, particularly the elderly and diabetics.