Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the question about eligibility for private healthcare, it was in the Commission on the Defence Forces report. I want to try to do anything that can enhance the quality of life of serving personnel in our Defence Forces. I want people to stay in the Defence Forces and to recruit more into the Defence Forces. God forbid you had cancer or cardiac issues, you can go private but often the best care is in the public hospital in the tertiary system, such as cardiac care in the Mater, St. James's and CUH. That is my view. In terms of ease and getting access to consultants for issues, however, this is an additional service between the two. It was sought and we were anxious to deliver it to all enlisted personnel. It had been available for officers.