James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a psychiatrist has been appointed to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53910/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Defence is continuing in its efforts to secure a dedicated Defence Forces psychiatrist to provide an in-house service. A recent recruitment competition for the position was unsuccessful and other options are being considered in an effort to resolve the matter.

In the meantime, a number of interim measures have been implemented, including authorisation for the referral of cases to external private psychiatrists for outpatient treatment where deemed appropriate. It must be stressed that there is no delay in referring patients requiring immediate psychiatric care or assessment.

I understand that there is a nationwide shortage of trained psychiatrists. The difficulty with recruitment for such a position is not unique to the Defence Forces.