Vol. 397 No. 9
73 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to issue the FCA with the same weapons and equipment as the Permanent Defence Forces; his views on whether this would ensure a more efficient training programme and would also be more cost effective for both the FCA and the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of the issue of weapons and equipment to An Foras Cosanta Áitiúil is one to be determined in the light of operational needs and in accordance with financial resources available generally to the Defence Forces. It is not currently proposed to issue the FCA with the same range of weapons and equipment as the Permanent Defence Forces. To provide an efficient training programme for the FCA in accordance with its role and to maximise the use of resoures generally, it is the practice to ensure that appropriate equipment is available to permit FCA personnel to be trained in its use.
