Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Illness prevention and health promotion are dealt with quite positively in the Defence Forces. By definition, all members are within a particular age cohort - from late teens or early 20s to mid-50s - and are in good health when they join, based on medical checks. Thus, their requirements in the health area are quite different from those of the population at large. One of these is preparation for overseas service. I do not have any particular concerns in this regard.

As I mentioned, I am waiting for the fourth working group report, and the steering group has been meeting regularly, updating its information on the basis of recommendations. It has been a slow and somewhat fraught process. However, in the end, particularly after the last report is received in September, we will move towards a much better quality of service, perhaps along the lines the Deputy intends.

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