Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

It appears unreasonable on the face of it that distinction should be made in such an instance between officers and ordinary members of the Defence Forces. That is the way things have been traditionally because it was assumed that enlisted men and women had more access and eligibility under the public health service than officers. Obviously I have inherited that situation and it will be difficult to change it. During questions to the Taoiseach someone noted that if one gives something to someone, it is very difficult to take it away. It would not be practicable to extend private medical care to everyone.

I do not know if Deputy Sherlock has written to me about this case since I became Minister. I have asked for the matter to be checked out and I am told by the Department that it has no information about anyone who had to leave the Army in circumstances such as those mentioned. If Deputy Sherlock writes to me I will investigate the case.

Another case was brought to my attention. The military authorities advise that in the past three years their records show 11 recruits discharged, not finally approved, mostly for non-medical reasons. One recruit was discharged, and not finally approved, for medical reasons. Another was discharged as being not likely to become efficient.

The medical case was the one brought to my attention. The recruit was enlisted on 29 November 2001 and discharged on 17 March 2004. Her medical condition was not due to an injury sustained in training but was a continuing medical condition which necessitated repeated periods of sick leave. She appears to have been given a period in excess of two and a half years to attempt to complete her recruit training, which is well in excess of the minimum period of three months or the maximum period of six months in which recruits are required to be finally approved under Defence Forces Regulation A(10). If Deputy Sherlock writes to me about the case in question I will make inquiries as to why the same approach was not taken.

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