John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1280: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of military hospitals or facilities around the country; the size, staff and bed capacity of each; the number of patients per night and number of day procedures and visits; the purpose of retaining a large military medical establishment; the reason the facilities should not be amalgamated or linked in full or partially with the general medical system in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter, to include a report on any feasibility studies regarding cooperation with the health services already undertaken. [1986/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The reorganisation of the Medical Corps, which was effected as part of the Defence Forces review implementation plan in November 1998, redirected the focus of military medical care in the Defence Forces from a predominantly hospital based service to one in which primary, occupational and field support would continue to be further developed. The Medical Corps facilities currently consist of St. Bricin's Military Hospital, Dublin and three military medical facilities located at the headquarters of each of the field medical companies in Cork and Athlone and at medical detachment supply and services unit in the Curragh. These military medical facilities have associated infirmaries for the care of "living-in" personnel (largely recruits and other training course students) who may become injured or ill. There are appointments for a physician at each MMF. There are currently X-ray, pharmacy and screening audiometry facilities at each MMF and physiotherapy facilities at MMF Cork and Curragh.The range of services provided by the Medical Corps include a military occupational medical service; a primary medical care service; a secondary medical care service; a preventive medical service; provision of medicines and dressings; dental services; a field medical service; training; maintenance of medical records; and medico-legal services. The detailed statistical information in relation to staffing, bed capacity and occupancy and the numbers of procedures carried out at these facilities are not readily available. I will write to the Deputy when they become available. In 2001, a feasibility study was carried out into an outline proposal from the Northern Area Health Board for the potential use of part of St. Bricin's Hospital for acute day case ophthalmic surgery as a pilot project. Detailed examination and analysis indicated that this project would not have been cost effective or attractive for the NAHB in terms of a limited throughput of civilian patient numbers as against a quite significant level of relative capital costs. In the event, the NAHB secured access to suitable facilities elsewhere in Dublin. The Department is always available for discussions in the future if the NAHB, or any other public health agency, wishes to explore the potential for a mutually beneficial collaboration, which would serve to enhance the respective service delivery priorities of the various parties.