asked the Minister for Defence whether two escaped inmates of a mental institution have been enlisted to serve in the Navy following a medical examination; and, if so, whether he will make a statement on the reflection implied on the standard and quality of recruits accepted for the Defence Forces and on the quality of the medical examination to which they are submitted on induction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Examination for Defence Force Recruits.
37.
Two men, who appear to be the persons referred to by the Deputy, enlisted for service in An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh on the 3rd instant. Before they were finally approved it was ascertained that they were mental hospital patients and they were returned to the hospital on the 8th idem.
The initial medical examination of an applicant for enlistment is of a general nature and would not necessarily disclose that a person was suffering from a mental ailment.
Before a recruit is finally approved for service, he is examined by a board of medical officers and if he is not found to be up to the required standards he is discharged forthwith.