Vol. 398 No. 4
35 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the studies which have been undertaken or commissioned by him in the last three years into welfare issues in the Army, including alcoholism and stress-related problems; if he will publish the findings of such studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In December 1989 the Adjutant General established a board to examine the existing welfare arrangements in the Defence Forces and to make recommendations in regard to present and future requirements.
I am informed that the board has recently completed its report and that the report is now under consideration by the military authorities.
I will ask the military authorities to consider publication of the report in due course.
I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 30, 32 and 41 on 6 February 1990.
I would put it to the Tánaiste that this report should be made available as soon as possible. Given the stressful nature and other factors of service within the Defence Forces, it has major implications and I look forward to the implementation of the recommendations.
I have taken an initiative myself in that respect. I believe these things should be released for general consideration and I have asked the military authorities to do that.
