To ask the Minister of Health whether he has asked, or plans to ask, the army to help the health service to relieve current pressures.

There is an agreed process for Military Assistance for Civilian Authorities (MACA), allowing me as Minister to request military support from the Ministry of Defence, through a request made by the Northern Ireland Office.

I initiated this process on 9 September 2021, requesting 80 Combat Medical Technicians (CMT) to come and help our most under pressure hospitals. While a request for military assistance is only made once all other avenues have been explored, I felt it was necessary in light of the extreme difficulties currently facing HSC. This request is currently being considered by MOD and the UK Minister for the Armed Forces and we hope to hear the outcome shortly.

Given the pressure across the system, I will explore all avenues to help patients and staff throughout this difficult period. Staff are exhausted, having been facing the pandemic and it’s repercussions for the best part of two years now, and I will do everything in my power to help them in whatever way I can.

This is not a political decision, the number one priority is to save lives and protect front line staff.