Vol. 651 No. 4
6 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if each member of the permanent Defence Forces have been made aware by their employers of the content of the Defence Forces Medical Services Patients Charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13516/08]
15 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if, consistent with the terms of the agreed patients charter for the Defence Forces, each member of the permanent Defence Forces has been informed of the names and contact details of the medical officer and dental officer responsible for the management of their medical and dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13514/08]
31 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if, consistent with the terms of the agreed patients charter for the Defence Forces, the name of the doctor, dentist and pharmacists are prominently displayed in each Defence Forces surgery and pharmacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/08]
47 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence if, consistent with the terms of the agreed patients charter for the Defence Forces, members of the permanent Defence Forces who require ongoing treatment from Defence Forces medical and dental officers or routine examinations or treatment are given appointments for specific dates and times and are usually seen within 30 minutes of the stated time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13517/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 15, 31 and 47 together.
Military medical services and their facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, occupational medicine, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training.
The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services is ongoing as part of the modernisation agenda for the Defence Forces. The representative associations are involved with us in this review. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.
The review has already produced a patients charter with the agreement of all parties, which I welcome. The agreement on the patients' charter identifies the rights of members of the Defence Forces as patients and their obligations as users of the Defence Forces medical services. It also identifies the obligations on the providers of the services.
The implementation of the patients charter is under way. The military authorities have assured me that issues such as publicising the charter, displaying names of medical personnel and the awareness of personnel about the medical or dental officer with responsibility for the management of their medical care will be implemented in the coming weeks.
However, the full implementation of the charter is clearly dependent on the resolution of the structural, resource and other challenges facing the medical corps. The challenges we face with medical services in the Defence Forces and therefore the scope of the medical review go beyond the patients charter. It is one item on the medical review agenda. The Minister looks forward to the active engagement of the representative associations with the overall process.
In view of the complexity of the challenge and the need for concrete steps, the Minister has decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. Tenders for the engagement of consultants have been issued with a tender closing date of 18 April. The consultancy will deal with all relevant issues affecting the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces.
The development of the capacity of the medical corps forms part of An Agreed Programme for Government. The Minister is committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.
Another consultants' report will not solve the problem of getting personnel for the Army. They are probably looking at alternatives but I cannot see a consultants' report finding the solution. The patients charter was signed off last September, nine months ago, but nobody has seen it, including Army personnel. It has not been put on display anywhere. That is not good enough. The health of the Defence Forces is very important because they have to stay healthy in order to carry out their duties. There are difficulties such as basic appointments. I understand everyone arrives at the military hospital on Infirmary Road at 8.30 a.m. Some people could have to wait there all day to see a doctor or to get medical advice. There is also the issue of a different doctor on duty every time they return. Patients like to see and meet the same doctor as much as possible as they build up a communication and a trust with them. I have asked this question repeatedly about the medical backup service for the Defence Forces. I am not happy with what I hear and see in regard to the medical backup at present. Will the Minister of State give a timescale for implementation of the patients charter? Can a designated officer of high rank be appointed to ensure the patients charter and all the recommendations agreed last September will be put in place?
Much of this issue will hinge on the work of the consultants. There are issues to be addressed. At the end of the summer the consultants will be appointed and later in the year we will have the report. The Deputy is correct in saying that full information concerning the patients charter should become available. I have asked for a copy of the charter. The Deputy asked that the charter be made readily available; that is an obvious point that must be dealt with and I will certainly pursue it.
Difficulties in regard to the recruitment of medical officers have endured for some time despite the concerted efforts of my Department and the Defence Forces. The numbers attracted to work in the Defence Forces have served only to address natural wastage. The pay and allowances of doctors and dentists were recently increased substantially in consultation with the Minister for Finance. In addition the Defence Forces have recently undertaken an intensive recruitment campaign, the result of both these initiatives has been disappointing. It is important to get this right. The consultants will be asked to review the career prospects being offered to young doctors, opportunities for career development and membership of specialist registers. They will also examine the range of services required by the Defence Forces at home and overseas and for options on sustainable future positions. In summary, I will certainly follow up on the request in regard to the patients' charter and keep the Deputies informed on the progress of the consultants' work. It is important to get on with this work and to get it right.
I take on board all the points the Minister of State has made. When the medical corps is at about half strength there is a serious problem. For example, given that only one Irish-born doctor was recruited in the past five years there is a serious issue here. I suggested financing the studies of doctors on the basis that they would enter a contractual arrangement to give a number of years service to the Defence Forces. The more I think of it, the more I think it must be done on a formalised basis. A similar scheme operates in the US armed forces.
We can receive consultants' reports for ever but the simple issue is inducements to attract people. I accept that efforts have been made by increasing pay levels but it has not worked. People are more amenable to serving in the Defence Forces for a limited length of time if they are given assistance with studies at a time in their careers when resources can be a serious problem.
I will convey Deputy O'Shea's view on the scholarship-type system to my officials and will ask them to convey it to the consultants examining the options available. There are problems with personnel because there are 21 doctors in the medical corps. We need more and, in the absence of a sufficient number of military and medical officers, civilian doctors and dentists are employed on a sessional basis, inside and outside barracks, to maintain the service required for the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces personnel requiring treatment are receiving the care they need. The setting of targets for service provision is worthwhile but everyone must realise that meeting these targets is dependent on resolving these bigger issues. Fundamental issues must be addressed. The Minister and I are determined to do so and I will convey Deputy O'Shea's suggestion to my officials.
Regarding inducements to enter the military medical personnel corps, the availability of a crèche is a major issue for young married females. I tabled a question today on the availability of a crèche at the Curragh, the biggest centre, but nothing is happening. Ancillary facilities such as a crèche can provide an inducement for people to join the medical corps.
I am aware of those who do not receive appointments and do not know when the next appointment is scheduled for or who will care for them. This is true of dental as well as medical care and is not acceptable.
I will convey Deputy Deenihan's point to my officials. The medical corps is not immune to the wider challenges in the medical field. In addition to the pay and allowance factors, career opportunities for a young doctor in the Defence Forces and other ways to attract a medical officer are being examined. The Minister will be in a position to report on progress in due course.
7 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he will report in regard to the Irish contingent to Chad. [13551/08]
9 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the proposed timetable for the deployment of the remainder of the Irish contingent with the UN mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13557/08]
11 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the progress made with regard to logistical backup for Irish troops that will be serving with the UN mission to Chad. [13556/08]
14 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the high cost of flights from Chad to Ireland, he will provide subsidised leave flights to Ireland, such as were provided for troops when deployed to Liberia, or affordable alternatives, for those members of the Defence Forces serving in Chad who are authorised to take leave during their deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13508/08]
23 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Defence the timetable for the deployment of the remaining troops to Chad; the arrangements in place to transport these troops to their area of operation in Chad; the duties they will undertake while there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13572/08]
25 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the deployment of Irish troops to Chad is in accordance with expectations with particular reference to adequacy of numbers, communications, supply and transport and medical; if he expects the position to remain so for the duration of the deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13577/08]
35 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Defence the position on the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to the UN mandated mission to Chad; the number of troops already deployed; the amount of equipment already sent; when it is expected to have all troops deployed to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13496/08]
46 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with General Nash on the safety of Irish troops in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10348/08]
157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Irish troop deployments to Chad are adequately equipped and provided for in every respect including supplies, transport and communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13772/08]
161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that adequate preparation and training have been made available to the Defence Forces in respect of all overseas deployments including Chad and other locations yet to be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13776/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 9, 11, 14, 23, 25, 35, 46, 157 and 161 together.
The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, established under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778, was formally launched by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January 2008. Ireland will be the second largest contributor to the mission with 450 personnel. The aim of the mission is to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and protect UN personnel.
The mandate for this mission is robust and will be conducted under Chapter VII of the UN charter, allowing the use of all necessary force to ensure the success of the mission. The EU force is authorised to support the UN and to take all necessary measures within its capabilities and its area of operation to fulfil its functions. EUFOR is committed to conducting its operations in a neutral and impartial manner.
A total of 83 Defence Forces personnel are currently serving with EUFOR — 18 at the operational headquarters in Paris and 65 in Chad. A ship containing all the heavy equipment of the Irish battalion, which departed Dublin on 26 March 2008, is scheduled to arrive in Douala port, Cameroon, on 12 April 2008. To date, approximately 4,000 tonnes of stores and wheeled units have been consigned to Chad.
A team of 23 Irish personnel have deployed from Ireland to Douala port to receive the ship on its arrival. This team will organise the movement forward, by road, rail and air, of the Defence Forces cargo to the headquarters of the Irish battalion at Goz Beida in eastern Chad, a distance of some 2,700 km.
The advance group of the 97th infantry battalion, comprising 177 personnel, will fly to N'Djamena at the end of April 2008. Planning is ongoing at operational headquarters in Paris regarding the onward movement of these personnel to Goz Beida. The advance group's primary mission is to construct the Irish camp in Goz Beida. The main body of the 97th infantry battalion is scheduled to arrive in Chad towards the end of May. The Netherlands will deploy a contingent of 60 personnel with EUFOR, which will be fully integrated into the Irish battalion.
The 97th infantry battalion will contribute to establishing a safe and secure environment in their area of operation, in order to contribute to protection of civilians in danger, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and the free movement of humanitarian personnel through improved security, protection of United Nations and associated personnel and encouraging the voluntary return of internally displaced persons, especially in the Dar Sila region.
The issue of the provision of subsidised leave flights to Ireland does not arise in the context of the EUFOR TCHAD/RCA mission as personnel will be on a four month tour of duty and will not be availing of mission leave.
Because of the nature of the operation and the mission area and environment, force protection will be a key consideration. The Defence Forces will deploy a full range of force protection assets including armoured personnel carriers. The military authorities have indicated that, while the level of risk is consistent with any operational deployment into a troubled African state, it is one that the Defence Forces has the capability to manage.
Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is updated in the light of up-to-date threat assessments. Prior to deployment on missions, training packages, including realistic mission readiness exercises, are conducted and validated to ensure units are thoroughly prepared.
There are no concerns about the supply of water available in Chad to meet the needs of the Irish contingent. The Defence Forces have advised that two wells have been drilled on the site of the Irish camp in Goz Beida and will be more then adequate to provide a water supply to the Irish contingent and associated personnel when fully operational. These wells can produce 3.2 cu. m of water per hour. The water will be treated by the Defence Forces water purification system which was used in the UNMIL deployment in Liberia and proved highly successful. As a contingency a continuous supply of first quality bottled water has been sourced and is already being positioned for the arrival into theatre of the advance and main body personnel. This supply will be used during the initial part of the camp build until engineer assets bring water on line. Thereafter a strategic stock of bottled water will be maintained in the Irish camp for any unforeseen contingency.
In the mission area each battalion will provide a role 1 medical facility at the battalion headquarters, which is Goz Beida in the case of the Irish battalion. Three role 2 facilities are available N'Djamena, Abeche and Birao in the Central African Republic.
The Minister for Defence visited the mission's operation headquarters in Paris and met with the operation commander, Lt General Pat Nash. He briefed the Minister on the current situation and the plans for recommencement of deployment of EUFOR troops to the mission area. The Minister for Defence also had informal discussions with Lt General Nash on his most recent visit to Dublin. Lt General Nash informed him that on the basis of the threat assessment undertaken, the size and composition of the force was based on a number of principles, namely, force protection, communications, mobility and fire power. Consequently he is confident that the force is adequate to carry out this mission.
The Defence Forces have deployed a suite of secure, robust, state-of-the-art tactical communications systems to the EUFOR mission. These systems have been deployed in appropriate quantities to support the effective conduct of operations. Regarding communications between Chad and Ireland, the Defence Forces' communications and information services corps is providing satellite communications and high frequency radio, e-mail and telephone access to the Defence Forces' networked management and administration information systems. All personnel will be provided with the facilities to make telephone calls to family and friends and will have access to the Internet.
In early February and on 1 April, fighting took place between Chadian forces and rebels, but EUFOR personnel were not involved. The Defence Forces have advised that the situation in the Republic of Chad is calm. Key enablers, particularly tactical and medevac helicopters and medical facilities, are in place, thus allowing the mission to proceed. The required logistical planning and preparation for the support and sustaining of Irish troops has been completed. Being satisfied that the capabilities required to support EUFOR's main force deployment had been established, Lieutenant General Nash, EUFOR operation commander, declared that the mission had achieved initial operational capability on 15 March 2008. This marked the start date of the 12-month duration of the operation as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1778 of 2007.
When the full EU force is deployed, it will comprise 3,700 personnel. A total of 1,800 EUFOR personnel are already deployed in Chad, affording the operation commander and his staff the opportunity to plan for the follow-on deployment of three multinational battalions, including the Irish battalion. The mission is planned to reach full operational capability by mid to late May 2008.
I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. Will he update the House on the incident at Tissi, where there was an incursion into Sudanese territory by two French soldiers? There was one fatality while the remaining soldier was injured. It is disconcerting that, in border areas, maps are imprecise and there is no clear demarcation of borders. Will the preparations address this situation? Will there be precise maps and the clear demarcation of borders? The incident was unfortunate and it was obviously accidental that the troops crossed the border. While securing the border is not part of the mission, a danger exists and I would like the Minister of State's assurance that this issue is being attended to.
If the House will allow, I will revert to the Deputy with some details on that incident. As he is aware, the troops are present to protect the displaced people and refugees and must be careful not to become directly involved in issues that are the responsibility of the Chadian Government. EUFOR needed to ensure it did not become involved in the fighting in early April between the Chadian Government and the rebels, as it has no role in the protection of Chad's sovereign territory, as the Deputy stated. Incursions by rebel forces are a matter for the Chadian authorities and do not fall within the remit of the EU mission. Regarding the specifics of the incident in question, I will happily revert to the Deputy directly to ensure he has all of the information he requires.
On Question No. 14 and the issue of subsidised leave flights to Ireland, I understand that personnel who will not be on the mission in Chad will be in its headquarters for six months. It is to them I refer. Provision was made for such personnel in Liberia. The figure I have been given for the cost of a flight from Chad is approximately €1,800. There may be alternatives. Resupply flights for the mission will be made and it should be possible to subsidise flights. After six months of 24-7 operations, the personnel would be strained. During the six-month period, they may want to return for some weekends or so on.
Recently, Members of the European Parliament visited Chad. It is of concern that, irrespective of whether we accept or admit it, there is confusion between the French force on the ground and the French forces that will be members of the EU force. The MEPs' report to the European Parliament will state as much.
That is correct.
Deputy O'Shea referred to demarcation lines between the countries, but it is also important to have a clear demarcation between EUFOR and the historical French presence in Chad, which is supportive of President Déby, who is unpopular among many people. If there is any escalation in violence, we could be caught in the middle. It is important to avoid such a situation.
Regarding subsidised leave flights, particular arrangements were made in the context of Liberia because its members had a six-month tour of duty, whereas personnel on the Chadian mission will serve four-month tours of duty. As the Deputy stated, they will not be availing of——
Some will be in the headquarters.
Yes. I will happily check the position concerning anyone who will be present for six months.
In my response to a priority question, I stated my agreement with the Deputies concerning the importance of identifying the distinct nature of the Irish contingent. We are being deployed in Goz Beida in eastern Chad and French forces are being deployed in a sector south of us encompassing the north east of the Central African Republic. In addition, a French battalion will be based in Abeche. Poland will provide the main contingent in Iriba, north of the Irish sector. From day one, we will identify ourselves by means of the Irish flag on vehicles and the use of emblems. Importantly, we will communicate with the local community via radio, leaflets, etc. This practice was followed previously and must be followed in this region. The information to date tells of a good response. We must work hard on this matter. I accept Deputies' comments and appreciate their opinions.
I wish to ask a number of questions in respect of Question No. 7 on the mission to Chad. Since there is confusion about whether this is a UN or European mission, it is important that the Minister of State clarifies the situation for the public.
Will the Minister of State revisit the EU term "battle groups"? The Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, shares my concern in this regard. The name may be changed at Government level.
That goes beyond the scope of the questions.
I will revert to the specifics of the question. Will the Minister of State guarantee, in so far as he can, that our troops will have enough equipment and proper clothing to ensure their safety is given the maximum priority? A number of families are concerned about this situation. I have a vested interest, as my nephew is being deployed to Chad.
The Minister of State mentioned "a neutral and impartial manner", which is how we want the mission to be implemented.
I have concerns regarding the role of the French and the Minister of State should respond.
I ask the Minister of State to ensure that our troops are given maximum support in respect of safety issues.
I am happy to state the EUFOR mission to Chad is the most multinational military operation conducted in Africa by the European Union thus far. As the Deputy is aware, at least 17 EU member states will deploy, including France, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Romania, Austria, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Greece. France and Ireland will be the largest and second largest contributors with 1,300 and 430 personnel, respectively. On full deployment, the EU force will comprise 3,700 personnel. On 25 September last the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution to establish a multidimensional UN mission in Chad. The multidimensional presence will comprise a United Nations mission in Chad and the Central African Republic, to be known as MINURCAT, which will focus on the security and protection of civilians. The important point is that this deployment is UN-driven, as well as having strong EU involvement, which is to be welcomed.
I, like other Members, had some concerns regarding the term "battle groups", which is somewhat off the beaten track. While I share the Deputy's viewpoint, we are stuck with the term. As the Deputy is aware, it does not describe the operation's purpose.
As for equipment and reassurances, I will reiterate what has been stated previously in this House. We are there to help humanitarian causes in the neutral capacity alluded to by the Deputy. The force may operate under Chapter VII, if required, and is fully resourced. The Government has confidence in the force's military leadership. Lieutenant General Pat Nash is involved at the highest level. It is also clear the Irish will have control over their own area of operation. While there will be French leadership at battalion level, the second in command will be Irish. Consequently, there will be Irish involvement throughout the chains of command. I held discussions with Lieutenant General Pat Nash when I attended an informal meeting of defence ministers in Slovenia. As an Irish Minister, I was proud to be there as he gave a good account of what everyone was doing. He kept everyone, both the Irish Government and our European colleagues, abreast of developments.
This is the present position. I have confidence in what has been done thus far. We are in a better position today than was the case last time this matter was discussed by the House. The Government will keep Deputies fully informed in this House.
8 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of members of the Permanent Defence Force by rank and brigade or formation who had an annual medical examination in each of the years from 2002 to 2007, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/08]
19 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Permanent Defence Force who have not had an annual medical examination for one, two and three years from 31 December 2007 retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13511/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 19 together.
All members of the Permanent Defence Force are required to undergo an annual medical examination. In 2007, a total of 8,111 annual medical examinations were conducted with a shortfall of 2,323. The figures in respect of earlier years are being collated and will be provided to the Deputies as soon as they are available.
The shortage of medical officers in the Medical Corps was the principal reason that not every member of the Defence Forces underwent a medical examination in the years in question. Due to operational constraints, personnel sometimes are not available to attend for examination at the scheduled times. Personnel due to serve overseas, those wishing to extend service and recruits and cadets at initial grading are among those prioritised for medical examination.
The services of civilian medical practitioners are used to provide back-up to the Medical Corps to ensure the primary health care requirements of the Defence Forces are met. Annual medical examinations are part of the occupational medical service of the Defence Forces and the preference is, therefore, that they be conducted by serving medical officers.
The challenges facing the Medical Corps have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services is ongoing as part of the modernisation agenda for the Defence Forces. The representative associations are involved with the Department in this review. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.
Given the ongoing issues and mindful of the need to make progress in this area, it has been decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. The process of engaging the consultants is under way.
Does the Minister of State believe the Defence Forces have the capability to provide all their personnel with an annual medical examination at present? It is a simple question. Obviously, there is a difficulty if more than 2,000 personnel did not undergo a medical examination. The Minister of State will agree the health of the organisation is paramount and that each member of the Defence Forces should undergo a medical check-up every year. People tend to be reluctant to undergo medical check-ups, especially the male element of the Defence Forces. It is important that such check-ups should be both available and obligatory on an annual basis.
It also is highly important for the Defence Forces to monitor the health and fitness levels of their personnel at all times. Is a general medical report on the health status of the Defence Forces issued on an annual basis?
The introduction of consultants to consider the matter indicates the present position must be improved. It constitutes an indication that something must be done. However, sick soldiers receive the requisite care and the services of civilian medical practitioners are used to back up the Medical Corps to ensure the primary health care requirements arising in barracks are met. One must acknowledge there is a recruitment problem.
More importantly, the major improvements in pay that were introduced recently have not resulted in significant recruitment. These issues must be addressed. The Medical Corps is not immune to the wider challenges that exist in the medical field. Non-Irish national doctors have been employed in the health sector and it is no longer unusual. Similarly, in the Defence Forces, suitably qualified doctors have served and continue to serve. Every effort is being made to deal with the issue and there is a fundamental need to do so. That is the reason the consultancy is being carried out. I will keep the House abreast of developments in this regard.
Question No. 9 answered with Question No. 7.
10 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the manner in which a doctor convicted of fraud in another jurisdiction was recruited to, and worked in, the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13547/08]
The doctor in question was appointed as a medical officer in the Permanent Defence Force on a short service commission of 12 months on 1 May 2007 after undergoing the standard recruitment process for doctors. This included an interview by the Defence Forces, a medical examination by the Defence Forces, security clearance by the Garda Síochána and registration validation with the Irish Medical Council by the Defence Forces.
The doctor satisfactorily provided all documentation requested and was found suitable at interview. All applicants to the Defence Forces must be security cleared by the Garda Síochána prior to appointment. The normal procedure for obtaining security clearance for all applicants to the Permanent Defence Force was applied in the case of the recruitment of the individual concerned. At the time of appointment of that individual, no adverse information was made available to the Department that would render the individual unsuitable for appointment.
Subsequently, in July 2007 and following contact between my Department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau, difficulties with both registration and the application for employment in the Defence Forces came to light. The military authorities conducted an investigation into these matters and, based on this investigation, the Government decided to recommend to the President that the doctor be dismissed from the Defence Forces. The President dismissed the doctor pursuant to section 50 of the Defence Act 1954 on 26 February 2008.
I stress that the doctor in question was fully qualified to hold the position from a medical perspective and there is no question regarding the professional qualification and experience of the doctor. There are no concerns regarding the quality of medical care provided by the doctor. I am assured that arising from this case, changes have been made to recruitment and checking processes to ensure that a similar situation will not arise in future.
I thank the Minister of State for his reply. He should clarify whether the person in question was lawfully in the country in the first place. This doctor was also registered with the Irish Medical Council. I find it disconcerting that the two main security arms of the State failed to address this issue expeditiously. This appointment should not have been made in the first place. A conviction was secured for corruption and the question of whether the person was lawfully in the State needs to be clarified. It makes me wonder whether communication takes place between the arms of the State in this area. If an issue such as this can arise it must be asked what else is happening. I am aware the Minister of State will respond in the context of the Defence Forces, but the intelligence wing of the Defence Forces is also an important element in the security of this State.
I acknowledge that lessons must be learnt from this matter. The person did not have permission to enter the State and Deputy O'Shea made a valid point about the need for Departments to co-operate more closely and on improvements to checking systems. It is important we apply that principle in the future through the use of modern information technology.
This person was working in a hospital in Dublin, in which regard I stress that no issues have arisen over professional qualifications or the quality of care the person administered. The normal security checks were completed. When documentation on renewing the person's work permit for possible overseas services were processed, issues emerged and contact was made with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
The bottom line is that lessons have to be learnt and better communication is needed between the various arms of the State. I assure the Deputy that will be the result of this case.
What exactly has been done since this matter came to light in the context of better co-ordination in the scrutiny of people who may hold criminal records or who are unlawfully in the State?
A complete review of the recruitment and checking processes has been undertaken for all applicants. The review took account of this case as well as improvements that have been implemented elsewhere in the public service, including requirements on applicants to supply additional information on their histories and improvements in the security clearance process. Following discussions between officials from my Department, the Garda Síochána and the GNIB, security clearance procedures for all applicants for positions in the Defence Forces have been reviewed and a process has been put in place whereby gardaí will check with the GNIB on applicants' immigration status as part of the security clearance process.
Lessons have been learnt and the system has improved. Thankfully, the professional qualifications of the doctor in question are accepted as authentic and in all professional respects the individual was a suitable candidate to be commissioned as a medical officer.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
