Billy Timmins
Question:514 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37383/06]
View answerTuesday, 14 November 2006
Questions (439)
Written answers
The military authorities have advised that no retired Medical Officer of the Permanent Defence Force has any claim as of right to be engaged to provide medical services to the Defence Forces. When and where a need arises to engage a civilian medical practitioner to provide services to the Defence Forces, the services of a suitable practitioner(s) living in the area of the post in question are sought. If there happens to be a retired Defence Forces Medical Officer living in the area, due consideration is given to inviting him or her to provide the service. Equally, doctors practising in the area who are serving/former members of the Reserve Defence Force would also be duly considered. However, previous service in the Permanent Defence Force or current/previous Reserve Defence Force service do not, of themselves, constitute reasons to engage a particular doctor.