143. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he and his Department are in a position to provide finance to a medical health scheme (details supplied); his views on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42516/24]

The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended the extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks. This measure came into effect in September 2023. Previously, various benefits applied to Commissioned Officers only. This now applies to all personnel. 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 which will also, I believe, act as a recruitment and retention measure, going forward.

The primary medical services provided include an annual medical examination, sick parades, GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, clinical mental health services provided by an in-house psychiatrist and two in-house psychologists, public hospital charges, as well as routine dental treatment.

In addition, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service provide a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service, that is professional, responsive and confidential, to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families in order to sustain and enhance the individual well-being of personnel, while at the same time promoting a safe and positive work culture in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.

Furthermore, in terms of additional support, the Department of Defence has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members. A Free-phone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors.

You will appreciate, given the comprehensive range of services provided as outlined above, the provision of funding for an additional private medical scheme cannot be acceded to.