Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2024
107. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how information on medical questionnaires, sent to GPs by the Defence Forces when people apply to join, is treated by the Defence Forces; if previous health conditions, such as depression, are a bar to the application continuing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26992/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that it is not standard practice to send medical questionnaires to GPs regarding individuals applying to join the Defence Forces.
However, in circumstances where a previous or ongoing health condition is made known, for example at an induction medical, a request may be made by the examining Medical Officer to a GP for further information in order to assist in determining if an applicant is fit to join the Defence Forces.
This request is made by means of a specific form, on a doctor-to-doctor basis, with the written consent of the applicant. Any clinical information received by the Medical Corps is treated as ‘Medical in Confidence’.
