Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Among the heroes that we all pay tribute to these days are the Irish Naval Service personnel who have been involved in unprecedented missions in the Mediterranean as they play a major operational part in assisting migrants in distress. They have been doing so since 2015. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council recently conferred the crew of LE Eithneon behalf of the Naval Service with an honorary award in recognition of their humanitarian work abroad. We would all commend that. It is estimated that Irish naval officers have saved the lives of more than 10,000 people in peril at sea. In their difficult search and rescue roles, these personnel have witnessed a lot of human suffering and extensive loss of life. I would like the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Deputy Kehoe, to specify what type of emotional supports these personnel were offered prior to, during and on completion of their tour of duty in the Mediterranean? It is vital for the welfare of these serving officers and for the Permanent Defence Force that cases of post-traumatic stress disorder are diagnosed promptly and all medical resources are provided thereafter. What kind of confidential counselling, psychiatric assistance or other treatments have been offered to naval crew? Were such supports provided by specialists within the Defence Forces or external clinicians? It is essential that pre and post-mission interventions are made to deal with the health risks for personnel as they serve other people in other territories.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a very debilitating illness. All measures must be taken to ensure the Naval Service, Air Corps and the Army are cared for appropriately when exposed to crises. A rapid diagnosis of PTSD symptoms by the Permanent Defence Force would also offset any potential personal injury legal actions taken by personnel who witness tragic events in the course of their employment.

Shortly, 133 soldiers of the 55th Infantry Group will leave for peacekeeping duty with the UN Disengagement Observer Force on the Golan Heights in Syria. The changeover has already taken place. Their rigorous training will equip them for the mission. Like their colleagues in the navy, they may encounter scenes that will challenge them and stay long in their memory when they return home. We need to be assured that they are being well looked after.