Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The introduction of consultants to consider the matter indicates the present position must be improved. It constitutes an indication that something must be done. However, sick soldiers receive the requisite care and the services of civilian medical practitioners are used to back up the Medical Corps to ensure the primary health care requirements arising in barracks are met. One must acknowledge there is a recruitment problem.

More importantly, the major improvements in pay that were introduced recently have not resulted in significant recruitment. These issues must be addressed. The Medical Corps is not immune to the wider challenges that exist in the medical field. Non-Irish national doctors have been employed in the health sector and it is no longer unusual. Similarly, in the Defence Forces, suitably qualified doctors have served and continue to serve. Every effort is being made to deal with the issue and there is a fundamental need to do so. That is the reason the consultancy is being carried out. I will keep the House abreast of developments in this regard.

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