Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 35 - Army Pensions (Revised)
Vote 36 - Defence (Revised)

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is correct. I met advanced nursing practitioners and paramedics in Lebanon recently who were thrilled with their roles in the Defence Forces. I will look at it to see what the best model is to ensure we attract and recruit people into those roles in a sustainable way.

The Naval Service patrol duty allowance is one of the issues we are discussing with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. The review has been done and the submission made. I have to deal with a number of issues in the next round of negotiations with the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. I should acknowledge, however, that a significant amount was approved in the past year and so on. We must build on that now and we will.

On the private medical issue, the full year cost of is approximately €10 million and the €5 million allocation reflects a starting point. Discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform are not complete, but it is something I am keen on. The Deputy has articulated the case well. We will come back to him when the matter is finalised.

The heads of the Bill are prepared. I know which issue the Deputy is referring to. Is he saying someone from the Opposition will table an amendment?