Liz McManus
Question:97 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, being taken to address the acute shortage of doctors and dentists facing the Army medical corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26184/99]
Written Answers. - Army Medical Corps.
There are a number of vacancies for doctors within the medical corps, despite frequent advertising for qualified personnel over recent years. In 1999 one medical officer was recruited to the medical corps.
Proposals for the recruitment of dentists have been received from the military authorities and are currently being examined by my Department.
In common with other health service providers within the public sector, the Army medical corps is encountering difficulty in recruiting medical personnel. However, my Department will continue, in consultation with the director of the medical corps, to seek to recruit additional personnel. I would emphasise that in any case where Army medical officers or dental officers are not available, suitable local arrangements are made with civilian medical and dental practitioners to ensure that the appropriate level of professional care is available to members of the Defence Forces.