Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
643. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if childhood epilepsy, for which no medication is currently required, renders an applicant unfit for the Defence Forces; and the period of time that a person must be medicated and seizure free to progress with an application. [63921/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, working in the Defence Forces is a demanding career which places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals, exposing them to a unique range of challenging environments. In these circumstances, it is vital that the health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised.
Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific criteria, which include medical standards, for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These requirements are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces.
To this end, I wish to advise the Deputy that in line with Director of Medical Branch Instructions, along with Maritime and UN regulations and policies, that in the case of any diagnosis of epilepsy, a ten-year seizure free and medication free rule applies.
