Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
577. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if a soldier was originally passed fit for overseas duty and on return from such duty was found to be medically unwell and having been diagnosed with medical problems, the Army can then proceed to discharge the person; and if so, on what grounds. [29743/14]
View answerMembers of the Defence Forces are required to meet certain medical and physical fitness standards in order to remain operationally fit for military service. The medical status of personnel is assessed before and after overseas service. Like all members of society their health status may change over time. The question of retirement or discharge of a member of the PDF on medical grounds is governed by Defence Forces Regulations.
The military authorities advise that if a Medical Officer is of the opinion that an individual's disability or illness is likely to be of a permanent or protracted nature preventing the performance of military duties the Medical Officer shall recommend that the individual be examined by a Medical Board with a view to determining his/her fitness for further service in the PDF. A Medical Board consists of at least two Medical Officers. The board members must have had no previous clinical interaction with the individual over the condition for which the board was convened. At all times the individual may submit new reports, including reports from independent medical experts, to the original examining Medical Officer or to the Medical Board, who may decide on the basis of the evidence submitted to award a new Medical Classification Code that may permit further service. Where the Medical Board upholds the opinion of the Medical Officer, the individual may appeal the Medical Board's decision to the Director Medical Branch and submit further new reports from independent medical experts for consideration. Where the Director Medical Branch confirms the decision of the Medical Board steps are initiated to have the person discharged or relinquish their commission. Where the Director Medical Branch does not accept the decision of the Medical Board the Director may award an appropriate medical classification to the individual which may lead to his/ her continuance in service.
There are many other grounds apart from medical reasons why a person might be discharged from the Permanent Defence Force.
