Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
363. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the plans to improve the conditions of service for Defence Forces medical officers given the difficulties in retaining this critical capability (details supplied). [58090/22]
View answerThe provision of medical services within the Defence Forces is a combination of primary care and an occupational medical service. Medical oversight is necessary in order to maintain a Defence Force that is operationally ready for the tasks assigned by Government, thereby facilitating operations at home and overseas, as well as safeguarding the health and safety of Defence Forces personnel.
Defence Forces medical capability encompasses a broad range of disciplines including doctors (Medical Officers), dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists and psychologists. Vacancies in these disciplines are advertised as they arise and are filled in a number of different ways. The Defence Forces also have trained enlisted personnel serving in Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic and Advanced Paramedic roles.
I am informed that recruitment for Medical Officers remains ongoing. The first two doctors are due to graduate from the Military Medicine Training Scheme during 2023 and will become full-time Medical Officers in the Defence Forces. A further four (4) applicants have been successful via a recent Direct Entry competition, with one (1) recently commissioned and three (3) currently in the process of being security-cleared.
The Defence Forces endeavour to ensure that operations are not impacted by vacancies, Medical Officer or otherwise, and ensure a layered level of medical cover for all operations undertaken both at home and overseas.
I am unable to comment on the career structures of other public sector bodies, and the salaries of all Defence Forces personnel are determined in line with overall public sector pay policy. However, I can assure the Deputy that the recruitment and retention of trained medical personnel, as with other specialist areas within the Defence Forces, is a matter of priority.
