Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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59. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of his commitment to provide medical cover to all enlisted personnel; his proposed timeline for the development and implementation of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39987/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The commencement of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks was announced on Thursday, 14 September 2023. Previously, various benefits applied to Commissioned Officers only. It will now apply to all personnel and will be of immediate benefit to a further 84% of the Permanent Defence Force based on current strengths.

In addition to the comprehensive range of primary care currently provided, this new measure will facilitate referrals to private consultants, as well as the costs of any diagnostic tests

This is a significant enhancement to the overall benefits package for personnel and is unique in the public sector. It continues the significant progress being made by Government in improving the employment conditions of Defence Forces personnel.