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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Army Training Programme.

Ceist:

231 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the State of the treatment of soldiers with a product (details supplied); the number of soldiers receiving the treatment; if the diet and exercise regime of those receiving this product is the same as others not receiving it; if the medical consultants to the Army have considered if the treatment is cost effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1127/02]

The military authorities advise that the cost of provision of the product to 38 patients, overy varying periods of time, has been 10,683.00, £8,413.55. There are currently 14 patients receiving the medication.

All members of the Defence Forces are subject to annual and random physical fitness tests which include measurement of their body mass index. Minimum physical fitness requirements are age and sex-related but are otherwise the same for all members of the Defence Forces. Training regimes are devised by physical education officers for personnel who fail to meet these minimum standards based on the reasons why they failed to meet the standards, whether this be due to obesity or any other reasons. The use of the product in question would not in itself be a factor in the formulation of an individual training programme.

Obesity is a recognised risk factor for a variety of conditions such as coronary heart disease, degenerative disc disease and arthritis of major weight-bearing joints. The use of the product in association with a primary care service to reduce the potential mortality and morbidity from such conditions and the associated costs is considered to be cost effective.

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