Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
576. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the procedures that needs to be followed by the Army medical staff before a soldier is discharged from the Army; if it involves a medical board or a single doctor; and if the soldier has any recourse to an independent medical witness or assessor to advocate on their behalf. [29742/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities advise that if a Medical Officer is of the opinion that a soldier fails to meet the medical contractual standards for further engagement or extension of service, the Medical Officer should refer the case to a Medical Board. A Medical Board consists of at least two Medical Officers. The board members must have had no previous clinical interaction with the individual over the condition for which the board was convened. At all times the individual may submit new reports, including reports from independent medical experts, to the original examining Medical Officer or to the Medical Board, who may decide on the basis of the evidence submitted to award a new Medical Classification Code that may permit further service.
If he or she so desires, the individual may appeal the Medical Board’s decision to the Director, Medical Branch (DMB) and submit further new reports from independent medical experts for consideration. The Director, Medical Branch shall consider all written representations made for the purpose of these proceedings by or on behalf of the individual who was reclassified by the Medical Board within 28 days of receipt of same together with the Medical Board report and the relevant medical documents which were put before the Medical Board. The DMB shall notify the Officer Commanding the individual immediately on making his decision. The Commanding Officer will inform the individual of the DMB's decision on his representations against the determination of the Medical Board.
Personnel taking discharge for reasons other than those outlined above are subject to a final Discharge Medical carried out by a Medical Officer.
