asked the Minister for Defence if he will extend the military medical service to cover wives and children of members of the Permanent Defence Force.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Medical Service.
12.
(Limerick West): It is not my intention to extend the medical treatment available to soldiers in military hospitals to their wives and children.
However, the majority of soldiers' dependants are entitled to medical, institutional and specialist services provided under the health acts in civilian hospitals by the regional health boards.
When the income of such personnel exceeds the eligibility limit prescribed in the Health Acts, hospital charges in respect of the treatment of dependants are met by my Department. In addition the £10 hospital service charge is paid by my Department in respect of soldiers' dependants.
Is the Minister aware that one of the matters that is causing concern to the families of serving personnel is the non-availability of the medical doctor to the wife and children, that the doctor treats the member of the Defence Forces, whether it is the husband or wife who is serving? Does the Minister consider that to be one of the grievances of families? If he does will he agree to include it in the review that is taking place? Will the Minister refer the matter to the interdepartmental committee to see if more suitable medical services could be made available to the spouses and children of serving personnel?
(Limerick West): I have explained to the Deputy that hospital charges and so on are paid by my Department and that soliders and their dependants are entitled to the same health services as the general public. The position now is no different from what it was five or ten years ago.
Is the Minister aware that this is causing serious concern and is one of the reasons morale in the Defence Forces is very low? Will he refer this matter to the interdepartmental committee to be examined and reported on?
(Limerick West): I will consider the Deputy's request.
Is the Minister aware that the majority of serving troops, particularly NCOs and men, are paid a small amount in excess of medical card qualification and as a result do not qualify for benefits available to the unemployed and those on low pay.
(Limerick West): As I have said, soliders and soldiers' wives and their families are no different from any other sections of the community with regard to medical services——
They are very poorly paid.
(Limerick West): The services are administered by the regional health boards.
Nothing but bad news for the Army today.