There's Been A Reduction Of 95% In The Number Of Army Nursing Personnel.

Friday, 2 July 2021 11:43

The compliment of army nurses has fallen from 100, to 5.

There's been a dramatic reduction in the number of army nursing personnel.

The Defence Forces last recruited nurses in 1991.

There has not been a fatality among Irish troops deployed overseas in 17 years, and the Dept. of Defence says provision for medical services is made for every deployment.

The majority of the nurses currently employed by the Defence Forces are agency staff.

The Irish Times reports that a review of the Army Nursing Service, begun in March 2020 but delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, will be completed before the end of the year.

Kildare South Independent TD, Cathal Berry, is a medical doctor, and former Deputy Commander of the Army Rangers.

Speaking to Kildare Today, he says such lack of recruitment would be unthinkable in the civilian health service.

Cathal Berry TD, asking Minister Coveney about the Army nursing service. pic.twitter.com/l6fHrA89W4
— Conor Hogarty (@ConorHogarty) June 30, 2021

Deputy Berry joined Ciara Noble on Friday's edition of the programme:

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