Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
33. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide any update of the position in respect of a member of the Irish Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31562/23]
View answerThe Terms and Conditions governing the Military Medicine Scheme provide that trainees are appointed on an eight year short service commission, to allow for blocks of specialised training to be 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.
All educational courses (including the Military Medicine Scheme) that are undertaken by the Defence Forces at public expense, there is a requirement for an officer to subscribe to an undertaking and the terms and conditions for this scheme provide for this.
Undertakings are standard practice across the public / civil service where taxpayers/public money is paid to educate personnel. In return a specified length of service is required or alternatively a return of public monies for time paid whilst in the service of the Defence Forces.
The Terms and Conditions associated with the Military Medicine Training Scheme are therefore no different in this regard, and clearly set out that candidates will have to serve a period of time in the Defence Forces, on completion of the scheme, in order to provide a return on any costs associated with qualifying under the scheme.
Should an Officer wish to leave the Defence Forces before that period of time, a reimbursement to the Exchequer, of training costs, pay, and allowances is then required.
Accordingly, there is an undertaking associated with the individual’s training and as per the Terms and Conditions of the appointment.
For the Military Medicine Scheme, the costs are calculated based on salary paid while attending external aspects of the scheme (ie GP placements). Service provided during any period of external placement is deducted from cost.
The Military Medicine Training Programme is managed by the Defence Forces and they are responsible for the necessary undertakings for these and many other educational programmes.
The education of Defence Force personnel, including the management of the administration of educational undertakings, also falls under the remit of the Defence Forces.
I am advised that the Certification of Satisfactory Completion of Training (CSCST) for the General Practice qualification is awarded by the Irish College of General Practitioners, while the same certification for the military qualification is awarded by the Faculty of Military Medicine of Ireland.
Under the scheme, the Certification of Satisfactory Completion of Training (CSCST) for the General Practice qualification is awarded by the Irish College of General Practitioners, which, I am advised, has finalised for this scheme.
I would reiterate that where an individual receives a qualification, at the expense of the exchequer, under any such educational schemes, such as GP in this case, the individual either provides time in service or reimburses the cost in line with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme as outlined above.
I am further advised, that exams for the military qualification, which is awarded by the Faculty of Military Medicine of Ireland, will take place on 25 and 26 July 2023.
