Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will not go into it but it is worth noting that it is a damning indictment of our public health system that the Defence Forces need private healthcare. You hear people talking about Sláintecare and well-meaning people ask why the parties cannot all get together and sort out whatever the issue is like they did with Sláintecare. I say to myself, I know what state Sláintecare is in and how far away it is. It is a damning indictment that members of our Defence Forces need private healthcare but it is welcome at the same time. Is there anything there about the Defence Forces Justice Alliance? We had its representatives in the AV room. I spoke to the Minister in the Dáil about it last week. Some of their health problems are stark. I think a lot of TDs, not just me, said it was one of the most upsetting presentations in the AV room, from members of the Air Corps in particular. Does the Minister have any plans around that such as healthcare and medical cards?