Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019
16. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he was consulted in advance of the NATO conference on medical care of sailors in County Cork recently; if he approved the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16967/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI gave approval for the Defence Forces to host the NATO Maritime Medical Conference in Cork.
This conference is held annually and is hosted in a different country each year. The conference is open to participation by Partnership for Peace countries. The objective of the conference is to provide medical staff with pragmatic updates and information exchanges on developments in the area of maritime medicine.
The primary aim of Ireland's membership in Partnership for Peace is to enhance the Defence Force's interoperability with other professional military forces for the purpose of engaging in UN authorised peacekeeping and peace support operations. This conference gives Medical Officers an opportunity to remain current with latest developments and experiences in the context of the various Naval Service operational commitments. It provides a forum within which to engage and ensure that the Defence Force's policies and governance are in line with best international practice.
