The Taoiseach is to look at proposals to review the healthcare needs of sick former Air Corps personnel.

The review, initiated by then defence minister Simon Harris after it was suggested by Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, was set up earlier this year to see how an assessment of needs could work.

Micheál Martin said he was supportive of the initiative when he was asked by the Irish Examiner, saying: “I will have a look at what they are proposing.”

Concerns were raised by Air Corps whistleblower Gavin Tobin more than 10 years ago regarding the issue.

Mr Martin is the third senior Government figure to show interest in a review of former Air Corps personnel’s health needs.

On Tuesday, defence minister Helen McEntee — who succeeded Mr Harris in November — told the Dáil senior officials in her department recently met Mr Ó Laoghaire to discuss the review.

Off the back of what she said was a “constructive” meeting, she told TDs she hoped to have a detailed report on proposals for a review of health needs by next March.

Read full article by Neil Michael at  the Irish Examiner
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41762378.html

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