HC Deb 24 January 1996 vol 270 cc279-80W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of ex-service(a) men and (b) women resident in Northern Ireland and ex-members (i) male and (ii) female of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and its reserve suffering from combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder distinguishing between service inside and outside Northern Ireland. [10541]

Sir John Wheeler

[holding answer 22 January 1996]: The first part of the question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

In the inclusive period 1987 to 1995, 37—33 male and four female—RUC officers were medically retired from the RUC/RUC Reserve as a result of suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.

The term "combat-induced" is not a recognised medical definition and therefore no distinction can be made on this.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what provision is made by his department for the treatment of combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder; [10540]

(2) what provision is made by his Department for respite care for sufferers of combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder. [10543]

Mr. Moss

[holding answer 22 January 1996]: Health and social services boards in Northern Ireland provide a comprehensive range of mental health services and social services, including respite care, to meet the needs of all mentally ill people, including those suffering from combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research is undertaken by his Department(a) directly and (b) indirectly by financing research elsewhere into combat-induced post traumatic stress disorder; and if he will indicate for (b) the organisations involved and the total funding provided. [10542]

Mr. Moss

[holding answer 22 January 1996]: No research into combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder is being funded directly or indirectly by the Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland at present. The Department has not received any applications for support of research into combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder in recent years.