Vol. 510 No. 5
199 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce legislation in order that the Garda Síochána have the services of a dedicated medical surgeon in view of concerns expressed in the Garda Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23111/99]
The existing legislation, section 7 of the Police Forces Amalgamation Act 1925 [No. 7], already provides for the appointment of a surgeon for the Garda Síochána. The former acting Garda surgeon died suddenly last July and every effort has been made, in conjunction with the Garda authorities, to find a suitable replacement. Arrangements had been made to recruit an individual in August but it subsequently transpired that the individual in question was unable to take up the post. Efforts to find a replacement are continuing and I am hopeful that the Government will be in a position to appoint a surgeon within the next few weeks.
The Deputy may be interested to know that there are proposals to create a new post of a chief medical officer for the Garda Síochána who will effectively take over the duties of Garda surgeon in due course. I would hope to see this come to fruition early next year.
