asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the development of the armed forces at the present time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Armed Forces Development.
1.
The organisation and training of the Defence Forces are excellent and I am satisfied that the forces are competent to deal with the various tasks entrusted to them. Within the overall financial resources available, the Defence Forces keep abreast of modern technology and have the necessary resources to enable them to carry out their various roles.
Information in considerable detail on this matter generally is given to the House on the occasion of the debate on the annual Defence Estimate. In that connection I would invite attention to my statement of 27 June 1984 on the Defence Estimate 1984, volume 352, columns 910 to 929, inclusive.
Have the Defence Forces any special training, and if so what is it, to enable them to deal with the eventuality of a nuclear attack either on this country or an adjoining country and the presence of radioactive material in the atmosphere? What is the position in that regard?
That is a totally different question. The State's response to nuclear threat is provided by the Civil Defence force. That response is based on a certain hypothetical scenario to deal with fallout arising from a nuclear explosion elsewhere. The response to deal with that hypothesis is adequate and in training exercises has shown itself to be entirely satisfactory.
Has the Minister made any allowance in the coming year for recruiting into the different arms of the Defence Forces and to allow for re-enlistment? Has he made any attempt to provide for the extra batallion that might be sent to Lebanon? If re-enlistment is not allowed, this will cause great difficulties with extra duties at home. Does the Minister feel that the Navy and the Air Corps have the potential to man fully the fishery protection vessel that will be needed for naval and air surveillance?
This is a very general question——
It deals with the development of the armed forces and I hoped that might have engaged the Minister's attention. Has he given any thought to the idea that many idealistic young people would be prepared to give a year or two to the service of their country if that was possible? That would be highly desirable in the present unemployment situation.
On the capacity of the Air Corps and the Naval Service to discharge their obligations under the fishery protection laws, I am satisfied they have full capacity and that the new vessel is fully manned. There was a special recruitment to the Naval Service before Christmas to deal with the extra personnel. The Air Corps also got recruits before Christmas. It is hoped that enlistment will take place during the year not just to keep pace with wastage but to go slightly ahead. I agree with Deputy Power that it would be nice to devise a scheme whereby idealistic young men could be given the opportunity to serve for a year in the Defence Forces but I imagine this would give rise to significant financial and administrative complications and the military value of just one year's service might be minimal. However, it is something that could be kept in mind.
I hope my question comes within the scope of the question. Would the Minister tell us whether in the Army there has been established a special unit for dealing with exceptional cases like hijacks, kidnappings and outrages of that sort? The Minister is aware that other armies in Europe and elsewhere have developed special crack units who can be called up to deal with this type of situation. I do not want the Minister to disclose any confidential information, and I am sure he would not, but perhaps he would be able to give an assurance that in the unfortunate event of one of these incidents happening in our territory we would have special provisions for dealing with it.
There is a unit of that type called the Army Ranger Wing. They demonstrated their capacity to the press before Christmas. Deputy Treacy and I watched their demonstration and were impressed by the level of their expertise and capacity.
I accept that, but I am talking about something a little different. Have we a unit with specialist training in the emergency situation I am talking about, such as the hijacking of an aeroplane?
I can assure the Deputy that the training of the Army Ranger Wing enables them to deal with all sorts of emergency situations, including the type envisaged by the Deputy.
What effect will the Government's proposed cutbacks of £1.02 million on the Department of Defence budget have on the development of the armed forces this year?
None.
Is the Minister satisfied with that?
Is that an indication that money was mis-spent earlier——
There has been a significant reduction in the high rate of VAT and many Army purchases will benefit from this.
Toilet paper.
Is the Minister saying that this cutback is due to a reduction in VAT?
The Deputy can argue that on the budget debate.
The Minister said that this cutback would be offset by a saving in VAT. I want him to clarify the position. Is this cutback due to a reduction in VAT?