Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for welcoming Deputy O'Shea and myself here today. Yesterday, Deputy Charles Flanagan gave a commitment to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and I will certainly be as constructive and positive as I can concerning defence issues over the lifetime of this Dáil.

I welcome the Minister's reply, but how many Irish nationals joined the Army medical corps in the past five years? How many non-nationals are serving as doctors in the Army at the moment? Whereas non-nationals are serving in medical services across the country, does the Minister agree that there are communication difficulties in the Army, especially when it comes to foreign missions? Difficulties can arise concerning physical, psychological and emotional health when native doctors are not present. Will the Minister refer to that point, as well as providing a breakdown between male and female doctors?

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