Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2023
47. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of dentists, pharmacist, nurses and doctors in the Defence Forces medical corps; the number of those posts that are vacant; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [46863/23]
View answerI am informed by the military that the current status for each of the requested positions are as follows.
|
Position |
Current Strength |
Vacancies |
Filling of Vacancies/Remarks |
|
Dentist |
4 |
3 |
The recommendations of the Dental Service Review are currently in the process of being implemented and will inform the future staffing makeup of the Dental Service. |
|
Doctor |
22* |
5 |
Medical Officer positions are advertised and processed on an ongoing basis. There is currently one candidate awaiting security clearance. Additionally, the Medical Officer establishment includes one Psychiatrist position which is currently filled by a civilian and is not included in the figure of 22. |
|
Nurse |
2 |
N/A |
The Employment Control Framework for the Defence Forces provided in the past for 14 Army Nursing Service (ANS) staff. However, these positions are not included in the 9,589 Permanent Defence Force establishment. An upcoming Review of Medical Services arising from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces will make recommendations on the future of DF nursing services. |
|
Pharmacist |
1 |
2 |
An upcoming Review of Medical Services arising from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces will make recommendations on the future of the DF Pharmacy Service. |
(*This figure comprehends one individual who is currently undertaking the Military Medicine Training Scheme and available to the DF on a 0.5 WTE basis).
