Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On Deputy Smith's point about pay and conditions, I accept we have challenges in the Defence Forces, which I have highlighted at every given opportunity. I look forward to the outcome of the Public Service Pay Commission's deliberations. A number of processes are continuing under the PSSA, including pay restoration. The Defence Forces and civil and military management have also made a submission to the pay commission, the outcome of which I look forward to.

12 o’clock

It is my aim to get back up to full strength. There are challenges in that regard which I am trying to mitigate to the best of my ability.

To answer Deputy James Browne's question, prior to the retirement of the Defence Forces' in-house psychiatrist, where a patient required outpatient psychiatric care, he or she would attend an in-house psychiatrist. Those who require outpatient care are currently referred to an external private psychiatrist, pending the appointment of an in-house replacement. All urgent cases have always been referred to an HSE emergency department for assessment. If hospitalisation is required, there are no reported waiting times. Where in an assessment by the HSE hospitalisation is deemed not to be required, the patient may be referred to an external private psychiatrist for treatment, if required, or to a non-psychiatrist care service in the Defence Forces, as appropriate. The issue is receiving attention. We are awaiting the appointment of a replacement in-house psychiatrist.

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