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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2023

Wednesday, 25 October 2023

Ceisteanna (47)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

47. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of dentists, pharmacist, nurses and doctors in the Defence Forces medical corps; the number of those posts that are vacant; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [46863/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by the military that the current status for each of the requested positions are as follows.

Position

Current Strength

Vacancies

Filling of Vacancies/Remarks

Dentist

4

3

The recommendations of the Dental Service Review are currently in the process of being implemented and will inform the future staffing makeup of the Dental Service.

Doctor

22*

5

Medical Officer positions are advertised and processed on an ongoing basis. There is currently one candidate awaiting security clearance. Additionally, the Medical Officer establishment includes one Psychiatrist position which is currently filled by a civilian and is not included in the figure of 22.

Nurse

2

N/A

The Employment Control Framework for the Defence Forces provided in the past for 14 Army Nursing Service (ANS) staff. However, these positions are not included in the 9,589 Permanent Defence Force establishment. An upcoming Review of Medical Services arising from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces will make recommendations on the future of DF nursing services.

Pharmacist

1

2

An upcoming Review of Medical Services arising from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces will make recommendations on the future of the DF Pharmacy Service.

(*This figure comprehends one individual who is currently undertaking the Military Medicine Training Scheme and available to the DF on a 0.5 WTE basis).

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