240. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the healthcare and medical treatment entitlements of members of the Permanent Defence Force who are serving out of engagement; whether these entitlements differ from those of other serving members of the Permanent Defence Force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61151/26]

241. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements that apply where a serving member of the Permanent Defence Force is referred by a Defence Forces medical practitioner to a private hospital or specialist for investigation or treatment; the circumstances in which her Department meets the cost of such treatment; whether different arrangements apply to personnel serving out of engagement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61153/26]

242. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence whether members of the Permanent Defence Force serving out of engagement are expected to obtain private health insurance to meet the cost of medical investigations or treatment arising from a referral by a Defence Forces medical practitioner; her Department’s policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61154/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 241 and 242 together.

The provision of medical services within the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) is a combination of primary care and an occupational medical service. Members may also be referred for private secondary medical care, i.e. private consultant appointments, diagnostic tests and semi-private hospital treatment.

The provision of medical services is necessary in order to maintain a Defence Force that is operationally ready for the tasks assigned by Government, thereby facilitating operations at home and overseas.

Such services are regulated by Defence Force Regulations and associated administrative instructions and sanctions. These specify that medical care, at public expense, is provided based on the professional medical opinion of suitably qualified personnel that the treatment is clinically necessary and will facilitate the return of the member to operational duty.

Any treatment that is provided must be referred by a Defence Forces Medical Officer or Dental Officer, or a civilian General Practitioner working on behalf of the Defence Forces. All cases are dealt with on an individual clinical basis. These arrangements apply to all serving members of the PDF.