Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Defence when he expects to receive the report of the consultancy on the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35892/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Military medical services and their facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, occupational medicine, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training.

The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services, in association with the representative associations, is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces.

In view of the complexity of the challenge facing the Defence Forces in this area, I decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. The consultancy will focus on the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces.

PA Consulting has been awarded the contract for the medical consultancy. I expect the report to be delivered before the end of the year. I eagerly await receipt of the report and I can assure the House that following consideration of the recommendations I will publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on its implementation.

The development of the Medical Corps forms part of An Agreed programme for Government. I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. Notwithstanding the current situation, I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.