I move:
That a sum not exceeding £27,041,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the period commencing on the 1st day of April, 1974, and ending on the 31st day of December, 1974, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Defence, including certain services administered by that Office; for the pay and expenses of the Defence Forces; and for payment of certain grants-in-aid.
The Estimate for Defence is for a net sum of £27,041,000 for the nine months financial period from 1st April to 31st December, 1974. It is based on an estimated requirement of £38,024,000 for a full 12-months' period. This would represent an increase of £3,844,000 on the provision of £34,180,000 for the financial year 1973-74. The increase arises mainly under:
subhead A—Office of the Minister for Defence (£108,000),
subhead B—Permanent Defence Force pay (£1,593,000),
subhead C—Permanent Defence Force allowances (£730,000).
subhead F—civilians attached to units (£421,000), and
subhead V—insurance (£290,000).
The increases in these subheads are attributable to increased strengths and pay revisions. The comparative increase in respect of the stores subheads amounts of £558,000. Provision has not been made in the Estimate for increases under the national pay agreement—15th Round—which will be effective from the 1st June, 1974. This will be done in due course by means of a Supplementary Estimate.
The Estimate provides for an average strength of 10,500 non-commissioned officers and privates in the Permanent Defence Force. In order to build up the strength of the force to enable it to undertake its many duties in present circumstances, an intensive recruiting campaign commenced towards the end of 1973. I am glad to say that the results of the campaign to date have been very encouraging. In the three-months' period ended 31st March, 1974, 1,026 recruits were enlisted for general service, which brought the strength, including officers and cadets, on that date up to 11,312. I want this figure to be taken in relation to the first figure I gave as the general figure for the numbers in the Army. This is the latest date for which figures are available at the moment. We shall continue with our efforts to build up the Army to full establishment strength. Any young man contemplating joining the Permanent Defence Force can be assured that he will have an attractive and worthwhile career, which offers good pay and living conditions as well as opportunities for furthering his education or learning a trade. He will have facilities too, for sporting, recreational and cultural activities and the prospect of foreign travel on overseas service which will broaden his general education and experience. He can also be assured of the gratitude and respect of all those who appreciate the worth of the Army's contribution towards the preservation of law and order and the protection of our democratic institutions.
Recruiting is, of course, going on all the time and I am starting a fresh drive to increase the intake of suitable young men. I would ask every Deputy and every person who is concerned for the future of our country to use his best endeavours in support of the recruiting effort. This is true patriotism in the Ireland of to-day.
With a view to retaining suitable trained men in the service and expanding the scope of recruiting, as well as alleviating to some extent the hardships imposed on all ranks by the present abnormal situations, the following measures have been taken:
(i) The gratuities payable to men who are permitted to extend their service in the Permanent Defence Force have been increased from £25 to £150 to complete 6 or 7 years' service, £125 to complete 9 years' service, and £100 to complete 12 years' service. These amounts are added one to the other and are separate so that they are enjoyed as a man makes his decision.
(ii) Allowances payable to military personnel on Border duty have been substantially increased, the new rates being:
|
Married Officer |
£1.00a day |
|
Single Officer |
90p a day |
|
Married Man |
85p a day |
|
Single Man |
75p a day |
(iii) A special allowance of £1 a day is being introduced in respect of each day in which an officer or a man is engaged on guard or security duties in locations other than the border area.
This is most important because we must defend our vital installations. We must defend ESB installations and various installations that could possibly be the subject of subversive attack.
(iv) Defence Force regulations were amended in October, 1973, to permit the enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force of married men up to 28 years of age without previous service. Prior to that only single men could enlist without prior service in the Permanent Defence Force or the Reserve (FCA or Slua Muirí).
(v) In January, 1974, the age limits were again revised for an experimental period of six months. Under the revised arrangements any man, married or single, without previous service may enlist up to the age of 32 years. If he had previous service in the FCA or Slua Muirí he may enlist up to the age of 35 years and, if he had previous service in the Permanent Defence Force, up to 38 years.
It has also been decided to employ an extra 200 civilian employees for duties in cookhouses and messes with a view to releasing trained military personnel engaged on these duties for military operational activities. The necessary provision for these extra civilian employees is made under subhead F.
Let me say this is most important because if there are people in employment in this country who can provide this service then a soldier could be released to soldiery duties.
Apart from military training, facilities are provided for adult education courses, both general and technical, which are pursued in vocational schools, commercial colleges and at UCD. Facilities include day releases for group certificate students, payment of fees and for books in certain cases and for the adjustment of regimental duties to assist men in attending night classes in certain areas. While I am particularly conscious of the need to raise the general and technical educational standards of men so as to fit them for the various administrative and technical appointments which are part of the modern army and to take up remunerative employment after their Army careers, the heavy demands of the present security situation prevent us from releasing as many men as we would wish to attend courses.
In this regard I would like to say that this is a problem. If you have a situation whereby you must ask men to do security duties on the Border then they cannot be called on to do courses which we would wish them to do but that is something that is being looked at. I can only do my best and guarantee, as far as I am concerned, that each recruit in the Army will get his best chance. His duties, of course, are another factor.
However, in spite of the existing state of commitment to security, the efforts in the educational field cannot be regarded as inconsequential. For instance, during the current academic year group certificate courses are being attended by 82 men, leaving certificate courses by 29 men, diploma in industrial engineering by one man, a commerce course in UCD by three men and technical courses by 16 men. I define "men" as non-commissioned officers and private soldiers. Apprentice courses continue to be provided— 153 apprentices at the Army Apprentice School, Naas, and 75 at the Air Corps Apprentice School, Baldonnel. In addition, facilities are also afforded for private study in barracks and posts, with assistance readily given by officer and NCO instructors.
Games and physical training are now reasonably well catered for throughout the Army and sporting facilities and equipment generally have been much improved. Gymnasia are being brought up-to-date and the aim is to have a well-equipped gymnasium in each post. In this regard I would like to say that the vote for gymnasia was £2,000 a year which meant you got around to a gymnasium every ten years. The vote is now £15,000 and I hope that before the end of next year we will have gymnasium equipment available in each gymnasium.
Swimming pools are hired regularly and swimming instruction is catered for in the recruit training syllabus. Competitions at unit and command level are held regularly in all sports and representative matches are arranged with other bodies, for example, the Garda and the universities. Adventure training is encouraged, especially for cadets in the Military College, and there is participation in such activities as parachuting, subaqua activity, mountaineering, caving, boating, sailing and canoeing. All-Army gymnastic competitions are held annually and there is a big demand from local festival committees for displays by Army gymnastic teams. Every effort is made to meet these demands and encouragement is given to all Army units to become involved in local community sports and cultural activities.
As Deputies are aware, the demands on the Permanent Defence Force have been exceptionally heavy for the last year. Apart from their ordinary duties and their contribution to the United Nations peace-keeping efforts, the additional burden of duties in aid of the civil power arising from events in the North continues to impose considerable strain on manpower resources. Despite the improved strength position, it is still necessary, in order to relieve the burden on our troops, to keep some of the First Line Reserve on full-time duty and to call on the FCA to do week-end and other forms of part-time service. I am very pleased to pay tribute to all the components of the Defence Forces—the Regulars, the Army Nursing Service, the FCA and the Slua Muirí—for the excellence of their service and their devotion to duty during a particularly difficult period.
The main pre-occupation of the Defence Forces during the last 12 months has continued to be with internal security matters. Their activities in this field derive from their role of rendering aid to the civil power, which in practice means assisting the Garda Síochána as required. They have continued to provide Border patrols and to assist at road checkpoints as well as helping the Garda in dealing with Border incidents and in the protection of explosive materials used for industrial purposes. They have also been providing bomb-disposal teams in response to an increased number of calls and have been involved in the protection of installations of vital national importance and the provision of guards at civil prisons as well as having the custody of certain civilian prisoners. To illustrate the extent of demands being made on the Defence Forces I might mention that during the 12 months ended on the 31st March, 1974, over 5,600 military parties were supplied for check-point duties and participated with the Garda in setting up 14,600 joint Garda/Army checkpoints. In addition, some 3,000 patrols were sent out into the road network along the Border from the military posts which are being maintained in the Border areas. Escorts for explosives and blasting operations have been provided on upwards of 800 occasions and almost 600 requests for bomb disposal teams have been handled. All in all, an impressive set of figures.
Let me say as well that it is totally important that the security of this State shall remain absolutely secure, that there is no question of anybody, however powerful or with whatever in mind, deciding the security of this State shall be destroyed. The Irish Army are, and properly so, under the 1954 Defence Act, with the Garda, in charge of the security of the State. I want to say that they shall remain so.
The Defence Forces have proved themselves eminently suited to the task of assisting the Garda. The activities on which they are engaged often call for tact and patience of a high order, coupled with endurance and the will to get on with the job with as little inconvenience as possible to law-abiding citizens. In many respects the qualities required for the efficient discharge of their role of assisting the civil power are not unlike those which have characterised their service on peace-keeping missions abroad with the United Nations and which have repeatedly evoked tributes from United Nations sources. These combined operations have resulted in a close and harmonious liaison between the Army and the Garda at all levels built on mutual respect, understanding and co-operation. The daily trauma of indiscriminate violence in the North inevitably has repercussions on our security. Whatever one's reservations may be, and I have none, about seeing the Defence Forces continuously employed in aid of the civil power, the inescapable fact is that the requirements of security must transcend any such reservations. Let me repeat that I, as Minister for Defence, have no reservations in that regard for law and order are fundamental to our democratic way of life. They are the first responsibility of Government, and the Government will continue to do everything required of them to discharge this responsibility.
In practical terms, of course, the ideal of complete security cannot be attained. The position, however, in so far as it involves the Defence Forces, is kept under constant review jointly by the military authorities and the Garda Síochána at the operational level to ensure the optimum use of available resources in manpower and equipment. The Government are committed to doing everything possible in reason to see to it that such resources are adequate. They will continue to honour that commitment so as to ensure not only that our democratic institutions are safeguarded but also that the conditions of security and internal stability, which constitute the essential prerequisite for social and economic progress are maintained.
In this regard let me say that if nothing happens on the security front, if there are no bombs and no guns, then there is success; therefore, that is not recorded by the media but when something happens there are reports by the media. Therefore, silence, in fact, is a success of the security forces and silence, I am afraid, over the last year has not been something we have had all the time. However, it must be realised that the security forces, whether they be in the Army or Garda Síochána succeed when nothing happens and, therefore, it is not news. It is only news when they do not succeed in quelling violence and these people will of course, occasionally succeed in causing trouble.
Arising from the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East in October last and the subsequent establishment of the United Nations emergency force in that area, the Dáil, following a request from the United Nations approved the sending of an Irish contingent to the new force. This contingent was provided by the transfer of the contingent then serving in Cyprus, augmented by 134 personnel sent from home direct to the mission area. Thus the new contingent amounted to some 270 all ranks. As always, the Irish troops serving with the United Nations perform their duties in most commendable fashion and it is our earnest hope that their presence will contribute to a lasting peace in this war-torn area. The first rotation of the new contingent is currently taking place and the replacement unit has a total strength of 321 all ranks. Arrangements have been made for the payment of a supplementary allowance of 47p a day to the members of the contingent. This is in addition to a daily allowance of about 53p payable by the UN in local currency towards the purchase of personal requisites, including mineral waters which are in great demand owing to the intense heat in the area. Over and above these local allowances, substantial overseas allowances are also payable. I am satisfied with the financial situation of the personnel serving there.
Twenty-two Irish officers are serving with the United Nations truce supervision organisation in the Middle East and these officers are to be commended also for the excellent manner in which they perform their tasks—often in hazardous conditions.
The transfer of the contingent from Cyprus leaves only three Irish military personnel serving there in staff appointments. I should, perhaps, mention that, of claims amounting to £3.56 million presented to the United Nations in respect of the extra costs of the Irish contingents in Cyprus £3.17 million have been recovered leaving a balance of £0.39 million outstanding. Claims will be presented in due course for the extra costs of supplying the contingent to the United Nations emergency force in the Middle East. The House may take it, therefore, that the financial arrangements with the UN are satisfactory and we are not at a loss because of our Defence Forces serving with the United Nations.
The build up of stores and equipment has continued at a steady pace and Deputies will, I know, appreciate the need to ensure that this strengthened capability of the Defence Forces is maintained as reflected in this year's provision. The first of three prototype armoured personnel carriers has been completed by an Irish firm and has been undergoing extensive tests and trials since October, 1973. The second has also been delivered and the third is expected to be delivered in about a month, these two incorporate a design modification in the cooling system resulting from experience with the first. The testing of these vehicles is a tedious and exacting process and it will be a considerable time before final conclusions are reached. With the helicopter fleet now raised to eight, and eight light army co-operation aircraft in service, the recent decision to purchase six jet trainers in replacement of the vampires recognises the importance, and guarantees the future, of the Air Corps training programme. Naturally, these jets will also provide an operational capability in the fighter squadron operating them. I am very pleased that the up-to-date avionics system for these aircraft will be designed, supplied and installed by Aer Lingus.
The recent decision to initiate action for the procurement of a second all-weather fishery protection vessel will mean that work on it should commence this year and delivery may take place towards the end of 1975. While retaining the excellent qualities of L.E. Déirdre the new vessel may incorporate modifications deriving from experience with her. A pleasing feature is that Irish Shipping Ltd., have again agreed to act as consultants for the entire project.
The sharp increase over the past two years in the level of expenditure for building works is an indication of the attention that is being given to improving accommodation to modern standards and providing better living conditions for soldiers. The task is a formidable one, principally because of the age of most Army buildings, but a good amount of progress has been made.
Soldiers' billets, for example, have been made more comfortable, cookhouses and dining halls are being modernised, married quarters and mess premises are being improved, two housing schemes for married soldiers have recently been completed and further building is planned. Work is about to commence on the installation of central heating at various locations and a programme for the improvement of men's canteens which was started last year is being continued.
In this regard, I am dissatisfied with the facilities available to the soldiers in various barracks so far as ablutions are concerned. An example would be Collins's Barracks where 50 men have not, in my opinion, got even the minimum standard of ablutions that they should have. I am exercising all my efforts in this regard and I hope that the quarter master general and I, with the goodwill of the House in providing the money, will be able to improve these unsatisfactory situations where they exist. The position has been left in an unsatisfactory state over a long number of years and I hope that I and the quartermaster general will now be able to change that. The job is a big one because there are so many places in which conditions are unsatisfactory and I realise that changes cannot be made overnight. I shall, however, do my utmost to improve conditions. We are making our best efforts at the moment and we will continue those efforts. I am sure both sides will agree with me that the ordinary serving soldier is entitled to the same standard of life that pertains to the ordinary civilian in 1974.
A particularly important construction work that is nearing completion is the new building at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Galway, for the accommodation of Army cadets and officers attending University College, Galway. Of a high standard functionally and aesthetically, the new premises will provide ideal accommodation for military student personnel. When completed, the premises will have 120 bedrooms, study rooms, library, kitchens, dining rooms and a variety of recreational facilities, all system built.
I understand from some of the people there that they get their meals from the Army cookhouse and the vegetables are not presented in the best possible manner. As well as that, some of the food is cooked for a long time before they actually get it. I deliberately say that here so that all concerned will realise that I am here to see that everything is improved everywhere it can be improved and we accept criticism where that criticism is both right and proper.
During 1974, the present high level of activity on building works will be maintained. Provision is made for the commencement of various new works including the construction of a new apprentice training hall at Casement Aerodrome.
However, priority is being given to the needs of troops in Border areas. A comprehensive programme of works designed to provide adequate accommodation of a reasonable standard at Border posts has been approved. The proposals include the construction of a new military post at Monaghan and major building works at Dundalk Barracks. A design plan for the Monaghan post has been prepared and the initial planning work for the Dundalk project has commenced. The other Border locations at which new works and general improvements to accommodation are being carried out are Longford, Castleblayney, Finner Camp, Rockhill House, Ballyconnell, Manorhamilton and Lifford. Some of these works are already completed or well advanced.
I intend to press on with the task of making the Army Equitation School an effective force in show jumping and three-day eventing. In the last financial year, ten horses were bought at a cost of £104,000. The programme, thus initiated, of building up the strength of the school by the acquisition of horses of national and international standard will continue this year as animals of suitable quality become available. In this regard, that which is retarding things is not a question of money because the situation where money was concerned was quite clear. The Army Equitation School was costing in the order of £200,000 to £250,000 a year and, on assessment, it was found that there were only two horses of international standard available to the riders. The best calculation that could be done demonstrated the necessity for at least eight horses of international standard and eight horses of national standard, the hope being that those of national standard would in time supersede those of international standard. As well as that, one had to have the men to ride the horses and it was difficult to get the men if they did not have the horses to ride.
The decision of the Government was that we either close the school and avoid a loss of £250,000 a year or provide the horses of correct standard. This ought not really to have been a problem at all because horses should have been provided year by year and we should have had the pride and joy that we had in years gone by when people like Dan Corry and horses like Red Hugh and Owen Roe, and others, graced the world with their achievements and, not only graced the world but made the Irish horse symptomatic of something of the highest possible standard. We were faced with an unsatisfactory situation and we had to accept it. We have done our work on the basis of what was available.
I should like to tell the House that we have been reasonably successful in the purchase of three-day event horses but we have not been as successful in the purchase of show jumping horses. This is not because of any dereliction of duty on our part but due to the fact that the horses were not available. Some of the horses we contracted to buy did not pass the veterinary surgeon. In this regard I should like to state that negotiations were carried out for a horse belonging to a member of the family of a Deputy but the horse was not examined by a veterinary surgeon. Any rumour that a horse, the property of a Member opposite, had been rejected by the vet is not correct. I should like to record that in fairness to the Deputy and to his family.
As Deputies are aware, there is an arrangement between Bord na gCapall and my Department whereby horses may be loaned by either body to the other with the object of securing the most effective combination of horses and riders, military and civil. Three horses are at present on loan from the board to the Army Equitation School.
There are nations whose citizens can spend a lot of money, perhaps even name horses for advertising purposes, and get pleasure from the fact that the horses win. We are a poor nation and we have not many people who can do this kind of thing. So far as selling the Irish horse is concerned, it appears to the Government and to myself that in the next decades at least we will need the Irish Army jumping team to supplement the civilians so that we can show the flag anywhere in the world where horses are competing. That may mean that this kind of advertisement may never be paid for except through the Vote for Defence and through expenditure by private civilians. To provide a four-horse team, we need the Army. I would reckon that a cadet who is a member of the Army Equitation School will spend about five hours per day in the saddle for a minimum of six or seven years before he reaches the stage where he is a top-class horseman. This is something that might happen to the son of a millionaire or to a person selected for the Army Equitation School.
I want to state the position clearly. Either the whole undertaking had to be got rid of completely because of the financial loss or we had to ensure that the necessary expertise was provided for and the money given to an undertaking we could proudly regard as a show-piece for the nation as well as selling Irish horses, which makes money for those who breed and feed them.
There is no reason why a horse in the Army Equitation School cannot be loaned or leased to Bord na gCapall. It is our desire that the Irish horse should again reach the position it held formerly and to remedy the neglect the industry has suffered during the years. The amount of money spent is £104,400. This is small when one considers that during a long number of years we have been spending nearly £250,000 per year with no effect. We must give careful consideration to this matter in order that we may do our best to help.
I was very pleased when the Government decided in principle last year that a new sail training vessel should be obtained and I was proud that this new project was assigned to me. Previously it was with the Office of Public Works and the Minister for Finance; in fact, Deputy Haughey, as Minister for Finance, initiated a scheme whereby sail training was conducted on the Asgard. The project has been assigned to me and I shall do my best in this connection.
Already I am glad to say considerable progress has been made by the sail training committee of which I act as chairman. A well-known Irish naval architect, namely Jack Tyrrell of Arklow, has been appointed to design the new vessel. He has already produced preliminary drawings which have been approved by the committee subject to certain modifications and he is now preparing the drawings and specifications necessary to enable my Department to invite tenders for the building of the new vessel. It is intended that the new vessel will continue the splendid work still being done by the Asgard, under the guidance of its very able committee, in providing sail training cruises for young people.
The chairman of the Asgard committee remains Mr. Frank Lemass who is indisposed at the moment. I should like to express my thanks for his work during a number of years and our hopes in this House that he will return soon to full health.
The cruises not only help to develop the skills of sailing but they are also of great value to young people from the point of view of character building. It is our hope, too, that the new vessel will be a worthy successor to the older vessel in competition. The intention is, in fact, that she should participate in the transatlantic races of the Sail Training Association. We may be in trouble here because there is a transatlantic race in 1976 and my advice is that the shortest time possible for the building of a sail training ship in traditional materials is one year. There is also the tender period and various other delays so that, with the best will, we may not make 1976 but it is our hope that the ship shall compete. The Asgard will continue to be used for sail training purposes for some years to come.
In this regard, I should like to state that on the advice of naval architects the Asgard is nearing the end of its life. Because of its particular association with this country I should like the Asgard to continue as long as possible but the boat may be restricted to coastal cruises. As long as this is wise and safe this will continue and ultimately we will deal with the Asgard in the most suitable manner. Some suggestions have been made; in fact, Commodore McKenna some eight years ago, before the Asgard was commissioned, had a proposal in the Department of Defence that we should build a new sail training ship and put the Asgard on a plinth at Howth. All of these suggestions will have to be considered. It is my wish, and I am sure it is shared by all Members, that we must do our best to see that the Asgard is properly appreciated.
Subhead G of the Estimate relates to civil defence and here I am glad to be able to report continued progress in the recruitment and training of volunteers, in the provision of special courses at the Civil Defence School in Dublin, and in the establishment and equipment of control centres.
Since 1951 the State and local authorities have spent approximately £3½ million on civil defence. This represents an average annual outlay of about five pence per head of the population. Much of this money went on the provision of equipment and accommodation, the bulk of which is intact and may be expected to remain serviceable for many years to come.
In regard to the establishment of control centres, from which civil defence operations would be directed and co-ordinated in an emergency, 22 county controls and five regional controls have now been completed or are nearing completion. The setting up of a further seven county control centres and three regional control centres has been somewhat slowed by difficulties in providing suitable structures but it is expected that work on some of them will be commenced at an early date.
The civil defence uniform is basically a working dress for use in operational conditions and has remained unaltered in design and quality since 1958. Suggestions for its improvement have been made from time to time and it was recently decided to provide an improved type of uniform made from a more refined cloth and with some changes in design. Initial supplies of the new uniform are expected to become available in the near future but it will, of course, be some time before all civil defence personnel will have been provided with them.
Let me say that I was in Sligo during the weekend for the award to the successful civil defence team and, for the all-Ireland competition, it happened to be a team of married ladies exclusively. Even though the uniform is not what we would wish it to be, I would say that they looked very well. The fact that they defeated all the other contestants, male or otherwise, is something which we must record on this occasion.
Another improvement which has been achieved in the conditions of service for civil defence volunteers affects the disablement and death benefits payable. A revised scheme of compensation was promulgated last year—the Air-raid Precautions Services (Compensation for Personal Injuries) Scheme, 1973—under which compensation is payable in the case of a member who is injured, or dies as a result of an injury, received in the course of training or while on duty. The benefits are generally similar to those payable under the Occupational Injury Code—Social Welfare (Occupational Injuries) Act, 1966, as amended. While we would all hope that the need for such payments would not arise, Deputies will agree that it is an essential safeguard which must be at the disposal of people who give such an important voluntary service to the nation.
Last year, a new series of national competition was initiated which, I believe, is having a stimulating effect on civil defence training. These tests begin at county level from which the winning teams go forward to regional competitions and the regional winners then proceed to the final tests at national level. The first national competition for the Rescue Service was held in Cork in 1973 and this year a national casualty service competition was staged recently in Sligo, to which I have referred. A similar competition for the Rescue Service is to take place shortly in Galway. I can say from personal observation that these competitions generate much enthusiasm and friendly rivalry and I am very pleased by the high standards and overall dedication of the participants.
I want to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the patriotic attitude and the sterling work of civil defence volunteers throughout the country. This unspectacular but vital service to the community deserves the highest praise. We are indebted to them and to the voluntary aid societies—the Irish Red Cross Society, the Order of Malta and the St. John Ambulance Brigade—who co-operate so effectively with the civil defence organisation. I am grateful, too, to those members of the Oireachtas, members of local authorities and Church dignitaries who continue to lend their support to civil defence and commend it to the public at large.
The view has sometimes been expressed that civil defence should be under the control of the Army rather than local authorities. There are good reasons for the present arrangement. In time of war an army has its own role to fulfil and it cannot allow itself to be diverted from its primary function. I myself was a company officer in the voluntary aid Detachment of the Red Cross during the Emergency in 1939-1945 and my position was that if there had been an emergency, I would have gone into the Army and the first aid Detachment would have stayed at home and looked after the people resident in the area. That is an administrative fact. It is a decision. It is something you have to decide upon and I would say that the proper decision has been made that civil defence stays at home and looks after the people in its own area and, therefore, its relationship with the officers and the personnel of the local authority is relevant.
Civil defence, as its title implies, is that part of national defence which is specifically designed to mitigate the effects of war on the civilian population. The decision that local authorities should carry out civil defence functions arose from the fact that the kind of organisation necessary to carry out such functions—for example the bringing of succour to people who have lost their homes, food and clothing, the rescuing of persons trapped in damaged or collapsed buildings, extinguishing fires, rehousing homeless and displaced persons—is generally the same as the organisation already in being under the direction of local authorities for their own normal peace-time functions.
If not otherwise engaged at any particular time, military parties would, of course, where necessary, give assistance in civil defence operations. Such military assistance, would, however, complement and not be a substitute for civil defence since it would be a temporary measure which would be terminated as soon as possible in order to conserve military resources.
When, in 1972, the civil defence organisation took over from the Defence Forces the responsibility for handling the Northern refugee situation, they demonstrated the importance of freeing the Army to carry out its allotted role and they displayed, in 1972 and 1973, a first-class capability for dealing with an extremely difficult assignment. In doing so they underlined the vital importance to this country of having such an outstandingly effective body of trained and willing voluntary personnel.
Before I move to the Army Pensions Estimate I should like to say that since I became Minister for Defence I have tried to be with the Army as much as possible and, as I went around, I saw people on guard duty at places like Ballyshannon, places like the Electricity Supply Board installations, and various places which need to be protected. One of the things I would hate to have to do day in and day out would be guard duty. I wish to express to the officers and men, and particularly to the men, of the Defence Forces my appreciation of the duty they have to do which is not pleasant and is not colourful but which preserves democracy and the State itself.
I should like to mention appreciatively the golden jubilee of the Army School of Music which was celebrated recently by a memorable concert. Unfortunately, at the time I was laid low with virus pneumonia and I could not be there. The distinguished audience in the Royal Dublin Society at Ballsbridge who heard that concert are unanimous in their views that it was an event of real importance. Anyone who missed it missed something of great significance. I should like to pay that tribute to them. I hope the Army School of Music will be seen a little more and that the Defence Forces will be projected by the Army School of Music which is of great importance.
I now come to the Army Pensions Estimate which is also before the House. It is for a net sum of £6,420,000 to cover the period of nine months from 1st April, 1974, to 31st December, 1974. For the period of 12 months from 1st April, 1974, to 31st March, 1975, the corresponding figure would be £8,438,000. This represents an increase of £625,000 compared with the 1973-74 figure of £7,813,000, inclusive of a supplementary Vote of £50,000.
About £300,000 of this increase arises out of the provision for increased pensions and allowances in accordance with the principle of maintaining parity in public service pensions. As Deputies are aware, the increases will become effective from 1st July this year.
This is a good departure and, while it imposes some considerable stress and strain on civil servants to have the administrative difficulties ironed out by 1st July, in relation to the Budget, 1st July is the proper date and not 1st October. The balance of the £625,000 is due in the main to increased numbers getting allowances under subhead C—Allowances and Gratuities to Dependants—and pensions and gratuities under subhead E for retired members of the permanent Defence Force.
Deputies may be interested to know that in subhead C already mentioned, there are 4,306 widows of military service pensioners in receipt of allowances equal to one-half of their deceased husband's pension calculated by reference to current rates and subject to a minimum amount of £80.52 per year. The average annual rate of allowance is £120.
In subhead H the number of special allowances payable to veterans of the War of Independence continues to show a downward trend. Regrettably, the number of deaths is in excess of new awards. At present there are 10,517 allowances on pay and the average rate of allowance is £181 a year. As regards subhead M—Free Travel, Electricity and Television Licences for Veterans of the War of Independence—the cost of these concessions represents an increase of £21,000 in a full year.
I commend the two Estimates to the favourable consideration of the House. If there are any points on which Deputies require further information I shall endeavour to supply the additional details when replying to the debate.
