Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of qualified doctors and nurses who are currently serving in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42850/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities advise that there are 18 Doctors and 8 Nurses currently serving with the Defence Forces. A competition for the appointment of doctors to the Defence Forces Medical Corps remains open with applications being accepted on an ongoing basis. As suitably qualified applicants are identified they will be interviewed with regard to their suitability for service in the Defence Forces. In this regard, a successful applicant was appointed on 30 September 2013, while another 4 applicants are currently progressing through the selection process.

Based on the medical requirement across the Defence Forces as a whole, there is a current requirement for approximately 32 doctors within the Defence Forces Medical Corps.

Against this background, alternative options for the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces are also being considered. In this regard, an integrated model for the provision of the required medical services, involving both the Medical Corps and outsourced service provision is being progressed.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need and that I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.