Vol. 524 No. 5
116 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence the number of cases of post traumatic stress disorder involving serving or former members of the Defence Forces; the consultative process which is in place with the representative associations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22995/00]
A total of 31 personal injury claims primarily alleging post traumatic stress disorder have been taken against the Minister for Defence by serving or former members of the Defence Forces. In addition, a further ten claims alleging post traumatic stress disorder as an ancillary injury have also been received.
The Defence Forces have for some time operated a stress management and PTSD programme, the purpose of which is to educate personnel in stress recognition and to enable the provision of support so that the consequences of traumatic and stressful situations can be dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner. This programme is implemented through the Defence Forces psychologist, the personnel support service and the chaplaincy service.
With regard to the consultation process which is in place, the position is that both the representative associations, RACO and PDFORRA, are in continuing contact with my Department on this issue under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Permanent Defence Force. As is usual I do not wish, therefore, to comment further at this time.
