asked the Minister for Defence why the members of the FCA who were called up on full-time duty last year have been demobilised resulting in extremely heavy duties being imposed on the regular members of the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Duties.
90.
Members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil were not called up on full-time duty last year.
Members of An Fórsa have, however, with their own consent, been employed for varying periods on full-time military duties including security duties. The extent of such employment is determined by reference to the exigencies of the service.
Is it not true that the Defence Forces recruited quite a number of the FCA personnel, particularly in the Athlone area possibly because of the fact that a considerable number of people who were members of the FCA were declared redundant in that area? This removed an embarrassing situation. These people were, in fact, doing ordinary guard duties and even up to last week some of the FCA were on permanent duty in Finner Camp. Does the Minister consider that the position has improved so much that these people can now be discharged, or does he realise that because of the release of members of the FCA from full-time duties serving soldiers now have to do what used to be known as "24 on and off". Deputy Dowling would remember that?
The FCA have been engaged in full-time duties on the basis of courses of training and instruction. The forces of the FCA and the military are deployed according as demands arise.
What happened to allow the Department to discharge these people—except for the purpose of saving money—and have them going to the labour exchange where the rate of pay is almost the same, while extra duties are put onto the permanent forces? Surely that is a ridiculous situation. Will the Minister have a look at it?
I will have a look at it.