Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Defence if a report has been received by his Department from the consultants appointed to review the medical services of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3546/09]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment in the programme for Government to develop the role and contribution of the medical corps and expand its capacity to deliver a range of medical facilities on UN mandated missions. [3519/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 155 together.

I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.

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.

I have not yet received the final report from the Consultants (PA Consulting). However, I understand that the drafting of the Report is ongoing and is nearing completion. Officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Consultants in quality assuring the work done to date to ensure that the report meets the requirements of the contract.

It is expected that drafting will be completed within the coming weeks with a final report being delivered shortly after that. I eagerly await receipt of the report and following consideration of the recommendations, I intend to publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on the way ahead.

Notwithstanding the current situation, I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.