Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

There seems to be no great urgency about civilianisation but perhaps the Minister is proceeding with caution. I have referred previously to the medical corps in this regard and I am sure the Minister agrees that there should be a role for the employment of medical doctors, given that there is such difficulty in attracting personnel to the Army medical corps. The position does not seem to be improving, despite the incentives provided. Does the Minister see an opportunity for attracting civilians into the Army on a permanent basis through the medical corps? There should also be scope for civilianisation of the dental service.

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