Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

What I found most alarming in the report is the finding that medical corps activity is not aligned to the strategic requirements of the Defence Forces, which is a major indictment of what is happening. It underlines the urgency of the matter. The whole system is seriously out of sync. I am aware the Defence Forces is responsible for implementing the recommendations. However, I put it to the Minister that he must adopt a hands-on approach and ensure that, on a week to week basis, progress is being made.

The Minister stated that procedures in terms of sickness absence in the Permanent Defence Force is a driver of primary care demand as most sick leave requires certification by a doctor. As I stated earlier, there is a shortfall of 60% in this regard. The expert panel found that PDF policy emphasis on medical assessments is excessive and inconsistent with international defence health practice. The system, as described, is a shambles. Will the Minister assure us that he will adopt a hands-on approach and drive this?

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