asked the Minister for Defence if members of the FCA who were integrated into the regular army in the seventies are entitled to pension or gratuities, as they are being discharged now without same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Pensions.
5.
(Limerick West): No members of the FCA were integrated into the Permanent Defence Force in the seventies or since, but, with their own consent, a number have been employed on full time security duties. Existing legislation does not provide for the payment of either gratuities or pensions in respect of such service.
In view of the fact that these men at a time of emergency answered the call and made themselves available for full time security duty, thus relieving regular members of the Permanent Defence Force for urgent security duties elsewhere in the State, would the Minister not consider it appropriate that they should qualify for some pension or gratuity payment? Would the Minister agree to approach the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach to arrange for the payment of such pensions or gratuities in appreciation of the service these people have given to the State over such a long time?
(Limerick West): Unlike members of the Permanent Defence Forces whose full time service is reckonable for superannuation purposes, service by FCA personnel on full time security duties is not so reckoned. The FCA are essentially a part time force and even when a member is on full time service he is in a position which is fundamentally different from that of a regular soldier. He has no service commitment and the range of duties he may perform is limited. In addition, a member of the FCA can, if he so wishes, readily revert to civilian status in a way which is not open to a member of the Permanent Defence Force. The question of whether to continue the engagement of FCA personnel on full time security duties is under consideration. In reply specifically to what the Deputy has requested, I am giving consideration to the payment of gratuities in recognition of their services to those personnel who opt to stand down from full time security duties. In due course I will be taking up the matter with my colleagues.
I commend the Minister and assure him of our full support in his efforts to achieve proper remuneration for these men.