Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
2083. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1726 and 1727 of 26 July 2017, his views on whether the stock management in the Defence Forces pharmacy may be inadequate. [36975/17]
View answer2084. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason for the very different figures, for the number of doxycycline tablets purchased, provided in response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 622 of 17 July 2012 and 1727 of 26 July 2017; and the reason for the difference, of almost 20,000 tablets reported as purchased, in the two replies. [37014/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2083 and 2084 together.
I am advised by the military authorities that the stock management policy and processes in the Defence Forces are reviewed on an annual basis. I am informed that stock levels are predominately demand-driven and that pharmaceutical requirements are met where possible under a ‘Just in Time’ model which leads to next day delivery directly to the patient site resulting in decreased lead times and lower stock holdings.
The military authorities have indicated that strategic stocks levels of certain medical items are maintained and that these levels are influenced by operational demands and contingencies .
With regard to the difference in figures provided in previous PQ’s in relation to the number of doxycycline tablets purchased, the military authorities have advised that the figures provided are currently being examined. I will issue a further response to you as soon as possible.
