Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has received a final report into the circumstances which allowed the recruitment of a struck-off doctor to service Irish troops in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23765/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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When the difficulty with Dr. Lieberthal's registration came to light the first priority was the welfare of the troops who were attended to by him. The Director of the Medical Corps contacted each person who had served in Liberia during the period in question alerting them to the situation and advising them of the measures the Medical Corps were putting in place to deal with any concerns they may have.

As a result any Defence Force member who wished to discuss any aspect of his or her treatment with a Medical Officer was invited to consult their local military Medical Officer or alternatively to contact the special medical hotline established by the Army Medical Corps.

The Chief of Staff has reported to me on the circumstances that gave rise to this difficulty. I am satisfied that arrangements have now been put in place to ensure that, should the need arise in the future, only doctors registered to practise in Ireland will be engaged for service with the Defence Forces.

Legal advice has been sought by my Department from the office of the Attorney General as to the performance of the specialist medical recruitment agency engaged to provide suitably qualified doctors. While this advice is still awaited it would not be appropriate, at this stage, to anticipate the outcome of the advice or possible follow-up action.