Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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161.To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a case (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35024/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces, due to its nature, places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals, exposing them to a unique range of challenging environments. In these circumstances, it is vital that the health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised.

The Defence Forces’ Director, Medical Branch issues instructions on matters of medical policy.

As per these instructions, an individual who has a confirmed medical diagnosis of asthma precludes them from being found fit to join the Defence Forces.

The Director of the Medical Branch has advised that applicants who have chronic medical conditions may be at a higher risk of suffering from symptoms related to those conditions due to the exigencies of military duties. Furthermore, the existence of a chronic medical condition can increase the risk of an individual not being able to carry out their duties and/or endangering the health and safety of their colleagues, thereby presenting an operational risk.

The conditions for entry to and for service in the Defence Forces, including the methodologies used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices. Irrespective of a desire to increase the recruitment pool, health and safety concerns must be satisfied. Accordingly, exceptions to the governing conditions cannot be made in individual circumstances.

In this and similar circumstances where an individual is found unfit medically, an appeals process is available whereby the individual concerned can submit an appeal and relevant documentation to the Formation/Brigade Senior Medical Officer (SMO) or Deputy Director Medical Branch via the relevant Recruitment Office.

In such circumstances the reviewing Medical Officer's decision is final.

The Office of Reserve Affairs has assured me that the Brigade concerned has been notified to ensure and confirm that the candidate in this case is aware of the above facility to appeal.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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162.To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of WTE civilian groom staff working in the Defence Forces equitation school in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form.[35193/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Civilian Staff are employed by my Department to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces. There are no Civilian Grooms employed in the Equitation School, however, there are two Civilian General Operatives assigned to that location.

The recruitment of civilian employees for military installations is an ongoing process, informed by the prioritisation of posts by military management.