Patrick Costello
Ceist:
53. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of people who have joined the military medicine training scheme in each of the past ten years; the number that qualified in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28533/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Patrick Costello
Ceist:
54. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of people who have left the military medicine training scheme early in each of the past ten years; the amount they paid to leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28534/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.
It has not been possible to collate the requested data in the time allocated for PQs. I will revert to the Deputy when this has been done.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to the above-referenced Parliamentary Questions and my original reply stating that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I am now in a position to do so. The Military Medicine Training Scheme is one of two entry streams for the induction of Medical Officers into the Defence Forces. The Scheme is a five-year training programme leading to dual specialisation in both Military Medicine and General Practice. Trainees are appointed on an eight-year short service commission, with specialised training completed over a five-year period followed by a three-year service undertaking, with the opportunity to apply for a commission without limitation as to time at the end of this period.
On joining the Scheme, trainees are commissioned as Lieutenants and spend two years working in HSE hospitals while being paid by the HSE. At the start of their third year, trainees are promoted to the rank of Captain and become Medical Officers. The final three years are spent alternating between six-monthly Defence Forces and General Practice placements while being paid by the Department of Defence.
I am advised by the military authorities that a total of six personnel have entered into the Military Medicine Training Scheme since its inception, with two doctors initially inducted on the first intake in 2017 and subsequently in each of the years 2018 and 2020. Of these:
• one doctor qualified from the Scheme, in 2023;
• one doctor is currently undertaking the Scheme and is due to qualify in 2025;
• three individuals left the scheme one in each of the years 2019, 2020 and 2022, before, or shortly after, entering the Defence Forces training period, and therefore were not required to refund the cost of their training
• the process in relation to finalising matters in respect of a further individual is ongoing.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 53.
