Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I will convey Deputy O'Shea's view on the scholarship-type system to my officials and will ask them to convey it to the consultants examining the options available. There are problems with personnel because there are 21 doctors in the medical corps. We need more and, in the absence of a sufficient number of military and medical officers, civilian doctors and dentists are employed on a sessional basis, inside and outside barracks, to maintain the service required for the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces personnel requiring treatment are receiving the care they need. The setting of targets for service provision is worthwhile but everyone must realise that meeting these targets is dependent on resolving these bigger issues. Fundamental issues must be addressed. The Minister and I are determined to do so and I will convey Deputy O'Shea's suggestion to my officials.

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