Jim O'Callaghan
Question:152. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many members of the Defence Forces are receiving counselling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21535/24]
View answerTuesday, 14 May 2024
Questions (152)
Written answers
It has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Questions from 14th May 2024 which was deferred: “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many members of the Defence Forces are receiving counselling; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
While it was not possible to provide the requested information to you within the given timeframe, I am now in a position to provide information on this matter.
Counselling is available to Defence Forces personnel, as required, via several pathways. The in-house medical mental health service provided counselling services to 44 Defence Forces personnel to date in 2024, via the clinical psychology team. Non-medical mental health services e.g. welfare, information, psycho-social support, are provided by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS) and the military authorities inform me that 222 Defence Forces personnel have engaged with the PSS to date in 2024.
As an additional support, my Department has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues. This is available to serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully trained and experienced counsellors.
As these services are private and confidential, it cannot be confirmed how many individuals may have availed of these services.