Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to make changes in the provision of medical services to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43291/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In 2009 PA Consultants recommended a programme of major change in relation to Defence Forces Medical Services. As recommended by the consultants, a number of working groups were set up to progress the various change projects identified. The working groups were tasked with identifying the practical steps which needed to be taken to achieve implementation of the PA report recommendations for the medical service. Following the completion of the work of the Working Groups an implementation plan was drawn up to implement their recommendations. Arising from the implementation plan the Central Medical Unit was formally established in 2012 to enable the detailed structures, processes and personnel to be put in place to provide for the support, management and delivery of modern medical services for the Defence Forces. This new Central Medical Unit brings all medical personnel under one central command. It has responsibility for the management and delivery of medical services, including the allocation of medical resources across the system based on operational requirements and demands.

In relation to specific medical services, it was necessary to undertake a further exercise to identify the optimal options for service provision. A joint civilian/ military Standing Committee has been set up and tasked with advancing the development of a sustainable integrated medical service involving both internal and outsourced service provision to meet the needs of the Defence Forces as outlined in the PA Report. The Standing Committee is reviewing each medical service individually e.g. physiotherapy services, laboratory services, mental health services etc. in order to evaluate and make a recommendation regarding the most appropriate means of delivering the medical capability to the Defence Forces. For example a service that is currently delivered by staff in house may be outsourced or vice versa. The Standing Committee is focussed on ensuring that medical services are delivered in an optimum and sustainable manner.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure the House 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.