Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the type of ancillary benefits available to members of the Defence Forces, such as healthcare; if there are any plans to expand these benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49368/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In relation to healthcare, a wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force. These include an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out-of-hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges, routine dental treatment and the provision of overseas medical services, including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel (including dependents) assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.

Additionally, private medical care (i.e. private consultant appointments, diagnostic tests and semi-private hospital treatment) has been made available to all ranks since September 2023, following on from a Programme for Government commitment and a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

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, and there are currently two Clinical Psychologists employed by the Defence Forces. Psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. There is currently 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) and my Department funds a confidential counselling, referral and support service, available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence volunteers.

In addition to the above, members of the Permanent Defence Force may avail of a range of allowances and pension entitlements, as well as extensive opportunities for lifelong learning which are provided to all personnel throughout their careers and include access to specialist and third-level education. In this regard, the organisation has a number of collaborative partners across the Further and Higher Education sector, including the South East Technological University, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University and SOLAS.

It is also notable that the provisions of the Working Time Directive have been applied across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions, since January of this year and that there have been increases to the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively. In addition, there has been significant progress on pay and allowances, including a doubling of the patrol duty allowance and an extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit for a further five years.

I am satisfied that the range of benefits outlined above offer comprehensive supports to members of the Defence Forces. I can assure the Deputy that we continue to keep such supports under review.