Dick Spring
Question:8 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he has any plans to change the name of An Slua Muirí.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Renaming An Slua Muirí.
I have no plans to change the name of An Slua Muirí.
The Taoiseach thought he was giving me some good news on that. An instruction has been given to the Defence Forces to recruit women into the Second Line Reserve, the FCA and An Slua Muirí, but to date no women have been recruited. The Taoiseach says there is not a policy decision to prevent the recruitment of women.
The Deputy is anticipating the next question, No. 9.
I put it to the Taoiseach that the name — Second Line Naval Reserve — is anti-women. Does the Taoiseach consider that the name should be changed if he wants women to join An Slua Muirí? Perhaps the Taoiseach will give us the exact translation of the title.
I have always regarded "slua" as meaning group, force, organisation or collection. I do not know that there are any anti-feminist undertones. I will certainly look into the matter. If the Deputy likes to put forward some suggestion for renaming An Slua Muirí that will be considered.
I would like to bring it to the Taoiseach's attention that the translation given by the Department of Defence is Body of Men of the Sea. Perhaps that should be looked at with a view to changing it.
I think it is not the name An Slua Muirí that should be looked at but the translation.