Dáil debates

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Defence Forces

11:00 am

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that hospital services in Kerry are under pressure, as they are in other parts of the country too. We are living through a pandemic that is extraordinarily demanding of the health service. That is why we are planning to spend €22 billion or €23 billion on healthcare next year in terms of increasing staff numbers, capital investment and resources. Of course, the Defence Forces are there in emergency situations to help the HSE when they can, but they are not going to solve the challenges in every hospital, and it is important to say that. For example, there are currently 24 medical officers or doctors in the Defence Forces out of an establishment of 26 and, of these, only 14 would in theory be able to provide the kind of support the Deputy seems to be suggesting in hospitals. The Defence Forces, of course, have to look after their own personnel needs as well. They are there to supplement and support the HSE when necessary but, ultimately, the core challenge here is for the HSE and our hospital service to respond to the extraordinary demand that is there.

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