Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Overseas Service.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

208 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of cases of depression recorded in relation to members of the Defence Force serving overseas and here over each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26036/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

The military medical authorities advise that there is no reason to believe that the incidence of depressive illness among members of the Defence Forces differs from the incidence among the general population. Where cases of depressive illness are diagnosed in the Defence Forces, there is no clinical evidence suggesting that depressive illness, in the general mix of these cases, is in any way related to military service.

The Defence Forces have a comprehensive stress awareness and stress management policy, a chaplaincy service, a personnel support service which includes civilian social workers and trained military counsellors, and the Medical Corps provides or co-ordinates medical treatment for personnel when this is indicated or requested. The military authorities advise that the figures sought by the Deputy are not readily available but are being compiled. I will write to the Deputy with the information as soon as possible.