Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will establish the necessary process to ensure that all members of the Defence Forces have access to a full and documented medical examination prior to discharge. [36724/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Defence Force Regulations prescribe that members of the Permanent Defence Force, except in very limited cases, are examined by a Defences Forces Medical Officer before leaving the service on discharge, retirement or otherwise.

Medical examinations under the provisions of the relevant Defence Forces Regulations are carried out as soon as possible after notification has been received that the discharge, resignation, retirement or dismissal, is to take effect.

The Military Authorities have advised that in accordance with their Administrative Instruction A12, there is an established process to ensure that all members of the Permanent Defence Force have access to a full and documented medical examination prior to discharge.

The Administrative Instruction outlines the occasions for medical examinations for members of the Permanent Defence Force and these include when a member of the Permanent Defence Force is scheduled to retire, resign, discharge, or transfer to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).

In addition, medical examinations are also carried out on the occasion of re-engagement, extension of service or continuance in service; prior to undergoing detention; prior to overseas duty, and on repatriation from overseas.