Vol. 523 No. 1
356 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence the procedure for the repatriation of Defence Forces members from overseas duty on medical grounds; if these procedures have been followed in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20706/00]
The repatriation of Defence Force personnel on medical grounds is governed by the recommendations of the medical personnel in the patient's location. The urgency of the repatriation, the method of repatriation and the requirement, if any; for medical personnel to travel with the patient is always dictated by advice from the medical personnel in the mission area.
In the past, personnel have been repatriated by special air ambulance flight, on rotation flights and on normal commercial flights. In the latter case the individual may, on the advice of medical personnel, travel accompanied or unaccompanied. I am advised by the military authorities that these procedures are adhered to at all times.
