Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
528. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular format the commitments under the programme for Government which his Department is responsible for; the progress made to date with regard to each commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32392/14]
View answerThe commitments in the Programme for Government relating to Defence and the progress that has been made are set out in the table below:
|
Commitment |
Status |
|
The implementation of the Defence Forces Medical Services Review as resources allow. |
In line with the recommendations of the Defence Forces Medical Service Review, the Central Medical Unit was formally established in 2012. Options for outsourcing Defence Forces medical services to a civilian medical services provider have been reviewed and consideration is now being given to outsourcing options on a per service basis e.g. physiotherapy services, laboratory services, pharmacy services. Arrangements for existing services which are already outsourced are also being regularised e.g. GP’s, dental services. |
|
Commitment |
Status |
|
The initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Irish Red Cross to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. |
The Department is continuing work on the review in consultation with the Irish Red Cross Society. The review mainly relates to the codification and updating of the various legal instruments on the Red Cross which date from 1938. I anticipate, subject to Government approval, that a Red Cross (Amendment) Bill will be published during the lifetime of this Government. |
