Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I do not have the breakdown between Irish nationals and non-nationals, but I will get it for the Deputy. We have very few female doctors. Of the 23 doctors, I think only three or four are female. However, I will obtain the precise figures for the Deputy.

As regards the Deputy's second point, no particular medical problems concerning troops serving overseas have been brought to my attention. As I said, we employ civilian doctors and sometimes there is a link between Ireland and whatever other groups make up a mission. For example, on the recent mission to Lebanon, medical services were delivered by a combination of Irish and Finnish personnel, because we linked up with the Finns. In view of the failure of the recent recruitment campaign, including an attempt to attract personnel by substantially increasing salaries, we need to re-examine the situation to see if we can find another way to proceed. However, major problems concerning overseas service have not been brought to my attention.

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