I am advised that Department Officials are currently finalising Terms & Conditions in consultation with RACO (Representative Association of Commissioned Officers) in relation to the recruitment of external Medical Officers. In addition, a new scheme for training medical graduates in military medicine is currently being finalised.
Terms & Conditions for suitably qualified members of the Permanent Defence Force to fill Medical Officer positions are also currently under discussion within the Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme.
The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the Scheme are confidential to that process, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment at this time.