Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I take on board all the points the Minister of State has made. When the medical corps is at about half strength there is a serious problem. For example, given that only one Irish-born doctor was recruited in the past five years there is a serious issue here. I suggested financing the studies of doctors on the basis that they would enter a contractual arrangement to give a number of years service to the Defence Forces. The more I think of it, the more I think it must be done on a formalised basis. A similar scheme operates in the US armed forces.

We can receive consultants' reports for ever but the simple issue is inducements to attract people. I accept that efforts have been made by increasing pay levels but it has not worked. People are more amenable to serving in the Defence Forces for a limited length of time if they are given assistance with studies at a time in their careers when resources can be a serious problem.

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