5 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline (1) the terms and conditions of employment of Army medical officers (2) the number now employed in the Army and (3) whether it is planned to employ more in the future.

Appointment as medical officer in the Army Medical Corps is in the rank of Captain. Officers appointed to the corps have the option of a commission without limitation as to time or a short service commission for a period of three years which may be extended to five years.

The minimum rate of pay on appointment is £22,652 a year. However, starting pay may be as high as £25,357 a year, depending on the previous experience of the officer.

Is the Minister aware that Army doctors who subsequently retire from the Army are being discriminated against by some health boards? Has he any plans to raise this matter with the relevant health boards and with the Minister for Health because there is not uniform treatment of retired medical officers within the health system? What plans has he to rectify this to bring equality and uniformity across the board?

The question deals with the terms and conditions of employment. There is no reference to what happens after retirement. The information I have here relates specifically to terms of employment.