asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that it is almost impossible for the average farmer or farmer's son, who is a member of the F.C.A., to absent himself for the two consecutive weeks' course of training which the regulations stipulate; and, if so, if he will alter the regulations to provide for one week's training in summer and one in winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - F.C.A. Training.
As F.C.A. training can be performed at almost any time of the year to suit the member's convenience, I am not aware that the difficulty mentioned by the Deputy arises to any great extent. If it should arise, however, in any particular case the member concerned may do only seven days' training, as the existing provision in regulations is for a continuous period of not less than seven and not more than 14 days in each training year.
Would the Minister not accept that training in two periods of seven days?
If a person wants to qualify for the grant of the 14 days it must be 14 consecutive days.
Does the Minister not realise that in the case of a farmer's son who is called on for 14 days' training, due to the harvesting season it is nearly impossible for him to leave the farm? Would he not consider amending the regulations so that he could do seven days during one period and seven days again during the winter?
As I have already pointed out to the Deputy, the individual concerned can arrange to do his training at any time of the year suitable to himself.
In two periods?
No, in one period.
That is the snag.
At any time suitable to himself and that gets over the difficulty the Deputy seems to have in mind.