asked the Minister for Defence if he will examine the cut and cloth of FCA uniforms with a view to their improvement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Uniforms.
25.
All FCA uniforms now being issued are of the new improved cloth for army service dress. The design of these uniforms is considered suitable but if, as a result of studies being made, modifications are considered desirable they will be introduced.
Is the Minister aware that there is not complete satisfaction in relation to recent issues of uniforms? Can he give us any indication as to when the modifications he referred to might take place?
The military authorities have no proposals to redesign or alter the FCA uniform. The trousers worn by Army and FCA personnel are similar in design. The Clothing Committee of the Quarter-master General's branch is studying modifications which, if adopted, could eventually provide a smarter, multipurpose uniform. There is no decision on that. Almost all FCA personnel are now in possession of uniforms in the new cloth. Because of the three-year life of their uniform, because they do not wear it every day as serving soldiers do, the changeover takes longer than it does in the case of the Army. All issues to recruits and all replacement issues of uniform are now in the new cloth.
The Minister says modifications are under examination. Can he give us any idea of when the decision will be made?
No. The Quarter-master General's branch is doing that.
Can the Minister say where the material is bought?
I have no information here on where the material is bought.
I know the Minister is a decent man and that he would be concerned about unemployment unlike other people.
I do not know what the Deputy is talking about.
I know it is not the Minister's responsibility.