Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017
63. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on strategies within the Defence Forces to combat mental health challenges of personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52903/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me. The Defence Forces is fully aware of the importance of attention to mental health.
Mental health services are part of the range of medical and non-medical services provided so as to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are medically fit to undertake the duties assigned to them. Also, to treat any medical conditions arising which would inhibit their capacity to undertake such duties.
As a matter of policy, psychiatric and psychological services as well as the Personnel Support Service are available to members of the Permanent Defence Force. These cover the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric or psychological disorders through to counselling and critical incident stress management.
The function of the Medical Corps of the Defence Forces is to provide medical services to serving members of the Defence Forces. Medical mental health services provided by the Medical Corps comprise:
a. Primary care services;
b. Clinical psychiatry (both internal and external);
c. Clinical psychology services.
Non-medical mental health services are provided by the Personnel Support Service (PSS) that acts as a secondary support to personnel. The PSS makes confidential services including critical incident stress management and psychosocial support available to all Defence Forces personnel. This is made available through its network of Barrack Personnel Support Service Officers and occupational social workers at formation, unit and barrack level. The PSS supports contingents before, during and after overseas deployments and its trained personnel are deployed in response to any significant operational incidents at home or overseas. The service is also available to the families of serving personnel.
As additional support, a confidential counselling service, provided by an independent service provider and funded by my Department, is available to all members of the Defence Forces. Defence Forces personnel can access this service by calling a free phone number. A counsellor is available to talk, provide information, discuss needs and advise on follow up counselling. Face-to-face counselling can then be provided to individuals if required. The service complements existing Defence Forces personnel support services.
The medical services available are kept under review.
