181. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Defence the measures her Department is taking to improve access to mental health and wellbeing supports for current and former Defence Forces personnel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53693/26]

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, while psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

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. The service is also available to civilian employees, and in a limited role to retired personnel. 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 PSS 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. A current Programme for Government commitment is to enhance the PSS, in recognition of the importance of its contribution, and this work is ongoing.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the Defence Forces recognises the unique nature of the experience of military life in Ireland. The aim of the strategy is to provide a coordinated and effective mental health and support system for serving personnel. The Defence Forces Mental Health and Wellbeing Standing Committee has responsibility for the implementation of mental health and wellbeing measures within the Defence Forces. The Committee is chaired by the Officer in Charge of the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service and includes subject matter experts in all areas of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces, including psychiatry, clinical psychology, Health and Safety, the PSS, the military chaplaincy, and physical and nutritional information.

The Chaplaincy Service also provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to personnel at home and overseas.

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.

The Department also provides financial support to two Veterans Associations, ONE and IUNVA, who support former members of the Permanent Defence Force. In addition, former members also have access to the wide range of supports available to all citizens of the State.

While I am satisfied that the measures taken to ensure the health and well-being of Defence Forces personnel are comprehensive, I can assure the Deputy that they are kept under constant review.