Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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17. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the independent assessment (details supplied) with regard to the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, has been received by the independent review group to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4834/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In 2020, an individual commenced considerable correspondence detailing allegations of sexual misconduct within the Permanent Defence Force. The incidences spanned a broad period between the 1970s and 1990s. The allegations included one of the existence of a paedophile ring in the Curragh Camp.

The individual sought an acknowledgement that abuse happened, a statement of apology and compensation for those who suffered abuse. The Department of Defence advised him that the allegations, some of which were first hand accounts and others not, were matters appropriate to an Garda Síochána.

The Department of Defence brought the matter to the attention of an Garda Síochána who subsequently contacted the individual who provided the information. I understand also that the individual was in touch with Tusla.

The then Minister was keen to ensure that the actions taken by the Department of Defence were appropriate in the circumstances having regard to the regulatory frameworks, policies and internal grievance systems in place. For that reason, Minister Coveney, in May 2022, on foot of a nomination from the Office of the Attorney General, appointed a Senior Counsel to assess the actions taken and to advise what if anything, could be done by the Department of Defence in circumstances of continued receipt of correspondence.

The substantive report was received by the Department of Defence on Thursday 26 January 2023. The Terms of Reference for Counsel provided that the report could be sent to the Independent Review Group for their awareness and this has been done.

The report is now being considered in consultation with the Attorney General's Office and thereafter it is intended that the report will be discussed with the individual concerned.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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18. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of fully-qualified doctors in the Defence Forces; the establishment figure for doctors in the Defence Forces; the number that are currently active in Ireland at this time; the roles they are employed in; the number of locums that are being used by the Defence Forces; the number that are serving abroad; the specific missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5157/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I would like to state that all doctors employed by the Defence Forces are fully qualified.

The military authorities inform me that the current number of Defence Forces Medical Officers is twenty-two (22), plus one (1) civilian consultant psychiatrist. The establishment figure, including the position of psychiatrist, is 28.  The effective Medical Officer strength is currently 20.5 as three officers are undertaking the Military Medicine Training Scheme, which requires them to rotate every six months between Defence Forces and civilian general practice. Two of these doctors will graduate from the scheme in 2023 giving an increase in strength of one full time doctor, and two direct entry Medical Officers are in the process of being security cleared from the ongoing recruitment campaign. 

All Medical Officers not overseas are active in Ireland. The overseas contingent is based in UNIFIL and UNDOF. For periods of the year, there are Medical Officers on pre-deployment form-up with the deploying unit or on post-deployment Overseas Mission Return Leave.  Medical Officers are employed in Occupational Medicine, Primary Care, Force Health Protection, Medical Administration, Medico-Legal duties, Training & Education, Overseas and other roles as assigned to them.  With reference to locums, there are 13 doctors engaged through an externally contracted service to provide Sick Parade at military installations.

Medical Officers are key enablers to ensure a layered level of medical cover for all operations undertaken both on land and overseas. 

The recruitment and retention of trained medical personnel, as with other specialist areas within the Defence Forces, is a matter of priority.