Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
486. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline in tabular form the commitments in the Programme for Government pertaining to his ministerial portfolio; the current status of these commitments in terms of implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42876/12]
View answerThe relevant specific commitments in the Programme for Government relating to Defence are: the implementation of the Defence Forces Medical Services Review as resources allow, and the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. In March 2012, after 12 months in office, the Government published its first annual report on the progress made on the commitments in the Programme for Government. The Government intends to publish a further report next March which will set out specific progress on implementation during the second year.
The current status of implementation of the commitments relating to Defence are set out in the following table.
|
Commitment |
Status |
|
The implementation of the Defence Forces Medical Services Review as resources allow |
The recommendations of the PA Consultants Report on the restructuring of the Medical Corps have been designed to meet the demands and needs of the Defence Forces and implementation is progressing. A competition for the appointment of doctors to the Medical Corps remains open and further applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately there has been and remains a limited response to this competition and therefore, it is accepted that it will take some time before the current target of 32 doctors in the Defence Forces can be achieved, if indeed it proves possible to reach this figure. Against this background, it has been necessary to identify alternative options for the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces, including the consideration of the outsourcing of some or all Defence Forces domestic medical services. In this regard an integrated model for the provision of the required medical services, involving both the Medical Corps and outsourced service provision is being progressed. A Request for Information (RFI) from prospective providers was issued in June to assist in evaluating options. A total of 15 proposals were received and these are currently being evaluated. |
|
The initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. |
The review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland is in progress. The outcome of the review will determine if amendments are required to be made to the legislation pertaining to the Irish Red Cross Society. |
