Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Can the Minister indicate whether any of the recommendations were implemented? Many of the major recommendations were intended for immediate implementation.

A newspaper article from last weekend reported that Defence Forces personnel had to travel to another pharmacy because a qualified chemist had not been appointed to the medical corps to dispense medication. It is not acceptable that the position of chemist is not filled. Was that report accurate?

There is a malaise in the medical corps. Its establishment figure is 46 but the most recent figures given by the Minister reveal that its staffing level is only 23. The first question I put to the Minister after he was appointed to his position was on the medical corps because the Defence Forces need to be supported by an adequate medical service. He commissioned a report and gave his commitment that urgent action would be taken. Unfortunately, I believe he is sitting on the report and I ask for a timetable for its implementation.

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