James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Members of the Defence Forces give loyal and determined service to this country and deserve the best supports they can be given, including the availability of a psychiatrist. There have been many reports regarding the poor pay and other conditions in the Defence Forces. The pay on offer may be one difficulty in attracting a psychiatrist but there is a difficulty in respect of conditions, supports and facilities for psychiatrists to carry out their work in many general mental health services. Are the proper facilities and necessary supports in place to attract a psychiatrist into the Defence Forces?

When difficulty is experienced in recruiting a psychiatrist, the HSE will take emergency measures such that a psychiatrist working in another part of the HSE will provide cover until a psychiatrist has been recruited. That is currently being done in respect of child psychiatric services in Wexford. Has the Minister of State asked the HSE if it can provide cover until such time as a psychiatrist is recruited to the position in the Defence Forces?

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