Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
81. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department plans to offer healthcare benefits to members of the Defence Forces and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29521/23]
View answerA wide range of primary medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force, including an annual medical examination, sick parades, GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, clinical mental health services provided by an in-house psychiatrist and two in-house psychologists, and routine dental treatment. In addition to the above, arising from a Programme for Government commitment, my Department has recently secured sanction to extend the provision of private secondary healthcare for all Defence Forces personnel, in line with the services that were previously available only to Officers.
In the case of Defence Forces personnel assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts, these personnel, and any accompanying dependents, are provided with global comprehensive medical insurance for which a formal arrangement is in place with a health insurance provider. This involves the organisation paying the difference between a basic minimum payment and the cost of the global plan.
In addition, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service provide a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service, that is professional, responsive and confidential, to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families to sustain and enhance the individual well-being of personnel, and to promote a safe and positive work culture in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
As additional support, my Department has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members.
A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors. This service was extended to the families of Defence Forces personnel on a pilot basis during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chaplaincy Service also provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to personnel at home and overseas.
I can assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel is a key priority.
