I propose to take Questions Nos. 627 to 632, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the military authorities that the individual referred to by the Deputy does not meet the medical standard required for military service at the rank of commissioned officer in the Naval Service Reserve, due to a medical condition. The Naval Service have re-iterated that the individual’s medical condition is incompatible with service at sea, especially in the military environment.
I am informed that a request for a medical derogation was made in 2015. The Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) considered the case and received the opinions of both the Director of Legal Services and Director of the Medical Branch. The Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) decided that a medical derogation could not be granted.
With regard to the reimbursement of a Naval Service Commissioned Officer’s Dress Uniform, I have sought additional information and I will revert to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
Finally, I am meeting members of RDFRA this Thursday (19 October 2017) and I look forward to having a positive discussion with them on matters of importance to their members.