Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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220. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there is a mechanism in the Permanent Defence Forces for recruiting medical officers internally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33092/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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For the most part, Medical Officers are recruited as direct entrants into the Defence Forces. As such, there are no specific arrangements currently in place for recruiting medical officers internally from within the Defence Forces. However, there is no prohibition on same occurring and the matter is currently under active consideration. In addition, a new scheme for training medical graduates in military medicine is currently being finalised. TheTerms and Conditions for suitably qualified members of the Permanent Defence Force to fill Medical Officer positions are currently under discussion within the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the Scheme are confidential to that process, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment at this time.