Thomas Byrne
Ceist:138. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to cease medical downgrading of persons of over 40 years of age (details supplied). [24288/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 June 2018
Ceisteanna (138, 139)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:139. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to cease compulsory medical examination for persons of over 40 years of age (details supplied). [24289/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
I can assure the Deputy that the health and safety of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me. Given the robust nature of military life and the unique physical and psychological demands it places on individuals, it is necessary that the members of the Defence Forces are physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. The State has a duty of care to ensure that each individual has the ability to perform the duties expected of them.
Defence Force Regulation A.12 Medical Treatment (Paragraph 75) provides that all members of the Permanent Defence Force shall undergo an annual medical examination. The Defence Forces have advised that some such examinations have occurred outside of the 12 month period but this has not been the case of any personnel over the age of 40 years. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that both new entrants and those deploying overseas are given priority for medical examination. There is no difference in the examination that is carried out before and after attaining the age of 40 years. The outcome of a medical examination may lead to the medical re-classification of the individual concerned by a Medical Board.
There are no plans to change provisions to age related medical examinations and gradings.