Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of medical staff within the Defence Forces; the number who have a psychiatric qualification; the number in each category serving in a medical role here and overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19663/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The number of medical staff within the Defence Forces is thirty-one (31) comprised of twenty-two (22) Medical Officers, four (4) Dentists, one (1) Periodontist and four (4) Pharmacists. In addition, there are twenty-four (24) members of the Army Nursing Service. The number of medical staff who hold a Psychiatric qualification is one (1).

The number of medical personnel serving or assigned for service overseas is as shown in the following table.

The key issue in the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces at this time is the acknowledged shortage of Medical Officers (Doctors) in the Medical Corps. The establishment for doctors is forty seven (47). The current strength of Medical Officers serving in the Defence Forces is twenty two (22). The challenges facing the Medical Corps have been recognized for some time and a review of the provision of medical services is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces. The Representative Associations are involved in this review. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.

Given the ongoing issues and mindful of the need to make progress in this area I have decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. Tender documents for the consultancy have been evaluated and it is expected that a contract will be awarded shortly.