Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Defence the establishment for medical doctors in the Defence Forces; the number of doctors serving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38136/05]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The establishment for medical officers — doctors — in the Permanent Defence Force is 47. The current strength of medical officers is 23. Of these, two are on leave of absence without pay and five are serving on a short service commission, of which two are serving in Liberia. The services of civilian general practitioners are regularly engaged to provide primary care when medical officers are not available. The Defence Forces are dependent, in the normal course, on civilian health care facilities for secondary and tertiary hospital services.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am not sure I heard the Minister of State correctly. Is it the case that the establishment is 47 and 23 are serving?

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Yes. We are short of numbers.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I consistently hear the Minister talking about the reorganised and well established Defence Forces and the amount of funding he allocates to this end. In this instance, however, only 50% of the required personnel are in place. What plans does the Minister have to increase this number?

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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This matter is being resolved through partnership. In particular, we work closely with the Department of Finance on this issue.