135. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence the full cost of using agency nurses to cover nursing duties in the Defence Forces in 2025; the number of hours this payment covered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53646/26]

Thank you Deputy for the question.

The Army Nursing Service (ANS) performs a vital role within the Defence Forces. It forms part of a wide range of medical services that are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). 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, mental health services including in-house access to psychiatry and psychology services, public hospital charges and routine dental treatment.

A range of measures are employed to ensure the provision of these important services, including outsourcing, contracted professionals, and agency workers. The ANS forms a key component within primary health care and occupational health, which encompasses a broad range of disciplines. Nurses play an educational role informing members of the PDF of measures that can prevent disease and injury, as well as the more traditional roles performed by nurses, e.g. phlebotomy, patient care, administering vaccinations, and so on.

I am informed by the military authorities that the cost of agency nursing services in 2025 was €870,800, covering a total of 15,518 hours. My officials are currently working with the military authorities in considering options to ensure the long-term continuing delivery of this vital service. In the meantime, the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces continues to be a high priority for my Department.