Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I wish to ask a question on policy. The Defence Forces outsource some medical services because of the need for consultants. In the past, some soldiers would not go to the Army doctor because part of the duty of that doctor was to report soldiers as unfit. Does an outside consultant or doctor have the same duties to report to the Army that a soldier may be unfit? This has arisen when soldiers have travelled overseas or have been in charge of trucks or other equipment and potentially put other people at risk because of the condition of their health. I know from having talked to soldiers that if somebody is suffering from severe depression or is suicidal he or she will not approach the Army doctor because he or she will be put on sick leave. This will mean that soldier will not participate in overseas missions and will not get allowances. As such, the likelihood is that he or she will be on the breadline, which adds to his or her depression.

It might not be an appropriate topic for today, but it should definitely be looked at given that the Defence Forces now have to rely on outside doctors. I have not yet decided whether I am in favour of the doctor telling the military authorities in all cases. There seems to be an anomaly.