Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
116. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the number of advanced paramedics and paramedics in the Defence Forces in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; if this decline in numbers is compromising the safety of Ireland’s troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe numbers of those with paramedic/advanced paramedic qualifications in the Defence Forces is as follows:
|
Qualification |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 (to date) |
Remarks |
|
Advanced Paramedic (AP) |
10 |
11 |
15 |
13 |
12 |
|
|
Paramedic |
38 |
35 |
21 |
22 |
30 |
Three (3) on AP course |
|
Total |
48 |
46 |
36 |
35 |
42 |
|
The disposition of the medical service in the Defence Forces is not compromising the safety of Ireland’s troops, which, in addition to primary medical care provided by Medical Officers and contracted civilian doctors, is supplemented by Advanced Paramedics, Paramedics, Combat Medical Technicians, and Emergency Medical Technicians. It should be noted that there are no specific appointments for these specialities within the Chief of Staff’s Administrative Instruction CS4 establishment, which provides only for 3* Medics. Medic vacancies arising are filled, as appropriate, by individuals possessing the qualifications required to comply, with standards set by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). Work is ongoing to define the future requirements for such positions to regularise and optimise the provision of medical care to Defence Forces personnel.
Furthermore, a wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force, free-of-charge, and for Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service this extends to the provision of private hospital treatment and referrals to private consultants. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do". A Working Group has been established to bring forward proposals on this matter and its report is imminent.
The health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel continues to be a priority for me.
