The individual in question appeared before a medical board on 14 December 1995 to determine his appropriate medical category and medical suitability for service with the Defence Forces. The medical board determined that he be reclassified medical category E. Defence Force regulations prescribe that personnel classified medical category E are regarded as not possessing the medical standard required for service with the Defence Forces and further provide that where a non-commissioned person is found to be medical category E his commanding officer shall initiate action towards his discharge.
The individual concerned availed of all the internal appeal procedures open to him. His appeal was unsuccessful but following further representations the date of his discharge has been extended to 12 March 1997, that is, the date he is due to terminate his present service engagement. However, I am aware of the circumstances of this case and I will review the position again before the date of his discharge.