Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to add one question to the questions from Deputy Clare Daly. Dr. Mellett mentioned the importance of dealing with the whole issue of stress. I have been alerted by a member of the Defence Forces to the fact that there is no psychiatrist available for non-commissioned officers at present. Is that true? A psychiatrist is available for commissioned officers but not for non-commissioned officers. The the previous psychiatrist retired some months ago, he was treating more than 800 patients. He has not been replaced. Given that stress is a major factor in the Defence Forces for various reasons, it seems strange that a new psychiatrist has not been appointed.