Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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112. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the supports, if any, that would be available to a member of the Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38431/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that Defence Forces personnel on overseas tours of duty are debriefed before repatriation and informed of the supports available to them should they experience issues upon return home. Personnel are also examined by a military medical officer prior to repatriation and may raise any concerns at that examination. In the event of further care being required, personnel have access to a range of mental health services which are provided to serving members of the Permanent Defence Force.

Medical mental health services available to personnel include access to clinical psychology and psychiatry services. The psychology service assesses, diagnoses, treats and advises on strategies to prevent mental health disorders, while psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. There are currently two Clinical Psychologists and one dedicated civilian consultant psychiatrist engaged by the Defence Forces.

In addition to these clinical supports, non-medical mental health services are provided by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS). The PSS provides a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families. This service sustains and enhances the individual well-being of personnel, and promotes a safe and positive work culture, in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.

The service is delivered through a network of military Barrack Personnel Support Service Officers and civilian Occupational Social Workers. This network of professionals is prepared to provide immediate help to service personnel and their families in a routine environment or at a time of crisis. This assistance can range from the simple provision of information to counselling or, if required, signposting and referral to specialist help and assistance.

I am advised that the PSS briefs Units and personnel going overseas on stress management and awareness. It trains overseas teams in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and conducts Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) when required. Furthermore, the assistance provided may include providing psychosocial support, counselling and information services on a variety of issues, including relationships, general finances, addiction, retirement (including pensions and gratuities), housing, taxation and PRSI, and much more.

In addition, my Department funds a confidential counselling, referral and support service for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence volunteers. The service provides confidential counselling on a wide range of personal and work related issues, including but not limited to health, relationships, addictions, financial, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year. The helpline provides for referral to appointment-based telephone or face-to-face counselling.