asked the Minister for Defence the number of FCA members by rank who will be allowed on annual training camp in 1983; if he is aware that as a result of the restriction on numbers a large proportion of men will be excluded; if those members who have in excess of 24 hours of attendance and who are excluded will be paid their gratuity; and the criteria which will be used for selection purposes for annual training camp for each FCA company.
Written Answers. - FCA Annual Training.
449.
The information sought by the Deputy in the first part of his question is not available at this stage of the training year.
As I stated in the House on 16 June 1983 when introducing the Defence Estimate for 1983, it was necessary as part of the Government's programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure to reduce annual training by seven days for members of the Reserve Defence Force, including An Forsa Cosanta Aitiúil.
Notwithstanding the reduced period of annual training I have decided that the gratuity payable to qualified members of the Reserve Defence Force who complete the maximum permissible period in 1983 will be at the full rates and not at the reduced rates which would normally apply in respect of attendance for training for the shorter period.
In accordance with the provisions of Defence Force Regulations the payment of gratuities is confined to those who attend for annual training of not less than seven days and who have the requisite attendance at local parades etc.
In the selection of FCA personnel for annual training priority is given to those with the longest service and a good attendance record at local parades and field days. The unit and company commanders are allowed to exercise discretion within these general guidelines.