Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2010
257 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of military dental hygienists employed in the Defence Forces; his views on whether this number is adequate; if consideration has been given to the employment of civilian hygienists on a temporary basis until the shortfall can be eliminated via the training of more military dental hygienists. [2316/10]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that no dental hygienist is currently employed in the Defence Forces. However, it is intended to appoint a dental hygienist in the coming weeks. The overall structure of the dental service and the requirement for dental hygienists is being considered in the context of the restructuring of the Medical Service.
258 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of former military medical officers providing medical services up to the end of 2009; the cost of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2317/10]
View answerThe services of civilian medical practitioners, including on occasion retired Defence Force medical officers, are used in the delivery of medical services to the Defence Forces. I am advised by the Military Authorities that 12 former military medical officers — ten doctors and two dentists — provided medical services in 2009 at a cost of €538,532.
