246. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 30 June 2026, if she will provide Army Nursing Corps reinstating the ANS as opposed to outsourcing this essential service, in light of the fact that outsourcing is not only more expensive, it does not allow for nurses to deploy with Defence Forces units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60704/26]

As noted in my previous response to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 30 June 2026, the Army Nursing Service (ANS) forms a key component of Defence Forces medical services, within primary health care and occupational health. Nurses play an educational role informing members of the Permanent Defence Force (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.

A consultant-led review of all medical services provided to members of the PDF was undertaken following the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The review considered all delivery options for the provision of nursing services, and made a number of recommendations in this regard. Notwithstanding the cost of utilising agency nursing, it is important that this vital service continues while my officials work with the military authorities to put in place appropriate arrangements for its long-term delivery in the most effective manner.