Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept the report is a damning indictment of the Defence Forces medical services. It is clear from the report that medical treatment is available to members of the Defence Forces when they need it, whether that be from within the Defence Forces or outside.

I agree with Deputy Deenihan that there is considerable outsourcing, particularly in the physiotherapy area, and 30% of dental care work is outsourced. It must be borne in mind that there will always be outsourcing of medical facilities available to the Defence Forces because the Defence Forces medical services are not equipped to carry out certain procedures. A better management of outsourcing is required and it would be preferable to have as little outsourcing as possible. Good work has been done by the Army medical staff, but the model does not meet the needs of a modern army. The Department appointed consultants to advise on how to resolve that issue and we will take their recommendations on board.

In answer to Deputy Deenihan's question as to the timeframe for the implementation of the report's recommendations, we must first talk to the representative associations and a number of stakeholders must be consulted. I have asked the Department to begin implementing what can be done immediately.

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