merrion street

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D., this afternoon (Monday, 10th July 2017) attended the Commissioning Ceremony of two lieutenants who will participate in the inaugural Defence Forces Military Medicine Training Programme at McKee Barracks, Dublin.

Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony, Minister Kehoe congratulated the newly commissioned officers and remarked that “today is a very special day for those being commissioned, but it is also very significant for the Defence Forces, as they are commissioned as the first ever participants in the Defence Forces Military Medicine Training Programme.”

Minster Kehoe went on to say that “the nature of this programme provides a sustainable model for workforce planning in the Medical Corps in helping to address the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. It also recognises the unique skill sets required of Medical Officers in their work at home and overseas.”

He continued “The Medical Corps is one area in which direct entry can work effectively in providing high calibre personnel equipped with key training and skills of benefit to the organisation. In a highly globalised employment market, the Defence Forces must remain competitive and appeal to the career and professional development goals of prospective new entrants. The development of the Military Medicine Training Programme is an important example of how we can achieve these aims.”

Minister Kehoe concluded by saying that “I would like to thank all of the many people within and external to the Defence Organisation in the development of this programme from inception through to delivery.”
ENDS

Note for the Editor
Following internship, many doctors will undertake postgraduate training with a view to becoming specialists in areas of medical practice which appeal to them. The Medical Council may determine the medical specialties which it recognises for the purposes of its functions under the Health Acts and then recommend these to the Minister for approval. The addition of Military Medicine as a specialty in 2015 brought the number of medical specialties on the Specialist Register to 57. On successful completion of the Military Medicine Training Programme personnel will attain dual specialist registration, i.e. GP Specialist and Military Medicine Specialist.