Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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304. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps personnel suffering from occupational asthma; the number of personnel discharged or refused further sign on due to occupational asthma in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30640/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that it would be necessary to examine the medical file of each individual Air Corps personnel to determine if any persons have any particular medical condition. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not practical to do this.

In relation to discharges from the Air Corps on foot of medical boards, I am advised that in the period mid-2012 to mid-2017 none related to asthma.

At contract renewal stage personnel must fulfil certain criteria. These criteria relate to service, conduct, training and also minimum standards of medical and physical fitness. Personnel who do not meet these standards are ineligible for contract renewal.

In relation to renewal of contracts, I am advised that it would also be necessary to examine the individual medical files of each individual who left the Air Corps to determine if any person was refused a contract renewal as a result of incompatible medical fitness. Within existing resources this is not feasible.