Vol. 546 No. 3
107 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the special medical facilities which are available to ex-members of the Defence Forces who have been medically discharged either by a properly constituted Army Medical Board or through the recommendations of the Army Medical Corps; the facilities available to those persons who, for medical reasons, availed of the early retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31861/01]
The provision of medical services by the Army medical corps to members of the Defence Forces is limited to the period of their service. Former military personnel have an entitlement as individuals to the normal range of public health services available under the Health Acts. They may also choose to avail of private health insurance if they so wish. There are no special medical facilities made available by the Defence Forces to former members who have been discharged. There is provision in the Army Pensions Acts for medical treatment to be given to recipients of military disability pensions in certain limited circumstances.
Any former member's service medical records will be made available, on request and with the consent of the individual concerned, to his-her nominated personal medical practitioner, in accordance with normal medical practice and in the best interest of the continuing medical care of the person concerned.
