Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Minister for Defence the position is in relation to a person who is interested in joining the cadets and who is a diabetic; the present policy; his views regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37035/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All applicants for a cadetship in the Permanent Defence Force are required to be in good mental and bodily health and free from any physical defect, abnormality, physiological condition or past history of serious illness likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his-her duties. The professional advise of the medical military authority is that a person who is a diabetic is below the medical standards for enlistment, which includes becoming a cadet, to the Permanent Defence Force.

As regards serving military personnel who have been diagnosed with diabetes, members of the Defence Forces are medically classified in accordance with Defence Forces Regulations A12. Guidance in the practical application of these regulations is contained in instructions issued to medical officers by the director, Medical Corps. The director's instructions recognise that each case must be decided on its merits. The regulations and instructions are framed in the context of the unique and demanding nature of the physical requirements of operational military life.

The military authorities advise that, in general terms, personnel of the Defence Forces who develop diabetes during service are reclassified to an appropriate medical classification code in accordance with Defence Forces Regulations A12 and may be restricted to appropriate limited duties in accordance with their condition. I am advised that a diagnosis of diabetes may not necessarily, of itself, result in a member of the Defence Forces being reclassified "Below Defence Forces Medical Standards". Each case is treated individually on its merits and it is solely a matter for the appropriate military medical authorities to determine the appropriate medical classification code of any member of the Defence Forces and their suitability for continued service in the Defence Forces.

Non-commissioned personnel of the Defence Forces are required to retain specified minimum medical classifications to be eligible for consideration for extension of service, re-engagement or continuance in service, as appropriate, beyond their specific service engagements. A diagnosis of diabetes could result in a medical classification code below the required minimum for extension, re-engagement or continuation in service. However, such a diagnosis does not automatically render a member of the Defence Forces medically ineligible for extension, re-engagement or continuation in service.