Defence Forces Medical Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019

Thursday, 11 July 2019

Questions (111)

James Browne

Question:

111. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a psychiatrist has been appointed to the Defence Forces to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31058/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Deputy will be aware that, following previous unsuccessful attempts in 2018 to recruit a direct-entrant military psychiatrist and locum psychiatrist for the Defence Forces, sanction was sought from, and granted by, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to conduct a competition for a contracted civilian consultant psychiatrist at pay rates equivalent to those available in the HSE. My Department, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, is currently working to finalise the necessary arrangements for this competition to be advertised. I am advised that the position is scheduled to be advertised in the coming weeks.