Vol. 404 No. 1
16 Mr. Bell asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the grave concern of members of FCÁ units regarding the lack of adequate transport; if he will outline by unit and corp the numbers of private hire transport paid for during the years 1988, 1989 and 1990; the plans he has to correct this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A programme for the modernisation of the Defence Forces transport fleet commenced in 1988. As part of this programme a contract was placed in August 1990 for the purchase of 20 minibuses for use by the FCÁ and delivery of these vehicles will be completed by the end of this month. It is intended to purchase a further 35 new minibuses for use by the FCÁ in 1991 with other FCÁ vehicles being replaced as financial resources permit. I am satisfied that the additional vehicles being provided for the FCÁ will maintain the overall efficiency of the FCÁ.
It also has been the practice over the years to hire civilian transport for the movement of FCÁ personnel on training. The additional information sought regarding the number of occasions private transport was hired for FCÁ units is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
