Michael Ferris
Question:18 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he has any proposals to reintroduce the two week annual camp for the FCA, which is now effectively the first line reserve.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Annual Camp.
The reduction in the normal annual training period for members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil that has applied since 1983 as part of the programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure, will continue to be necessary in 1991. The situation will be kept under review with the objective of restoring the normal arrangements as soon as circumstances allow. The full amount of gratuity will, however, be paid in 1991 to members who undergo annual training for the reduced period.
This is an appalling response from the Minister to this important issue. Would the Minister not agree that the decision some years ago to reduce annual camp to one week has been disastrous and affected the morale of the force? Will the Minister accept that those in the Reserve Defence Force should be highly trained and that this training cannot be effectively provided on a one week annual summer break? On the basis of cost effectiveness this is not a viable proposition, as has been proven.
I join with Deputy Ryan in his tribute to the members of the FCA. I would like to reach a position where it would be possible to fund them more adequately than at present, but this decision was taken in 1983——
It was a bad decision.
——when the Fine Gael-Labour Government were in office.
Fianna Fáil have been in Government since 1987.
Since we came back into Government it has not been possible to restore the two weeks camp, but we are paying the gratuity at the full level.
Would the Minister agree that the payment is only part of the problem of the two weeks camp. As far as FCA personnel are concerned they feel they need the full two weeks training in order to be properly and effectively trained. One week's training does not give them the necessary familiarity with military equipment. This is a very serious matter. The money is one issue but the real problem is the lack of morale among those who have pride in being members of the FCA and who want to give service to this country. It arises as a result of the two weeks camp not being provided. Will the Minister give the House some indication, rather than saying the matter will be reviewed, as to when the two weeks camp will be restored?
No, although I would like to be in a position to do that. The matter will be reviewed towards the end of the year when, hopefully, the position will be more favourable.
Will the Minister accept that the decision taken as long ago as 1983, and sustained by his Government for the past three years, amounts to no more than a mean and petty act. The overall savings to the Department are minuscule in comparison to expenditure in other areas. Would the Minister accept that if his Department moved with speed in implementing Mr. Gleeson's report and dismantled the double tier of bureaucracy that exists in the Department, and the Defence Forces, there would be huge savings available to him to reinstate this very important and much appreciated morale-boosting two weeks course for members of the FCA?
I am glad to be able to tell the House that since the change was introduced in 1983 the number attending annual training has remained at 9,000, which is a tremendous compliment to the members of the FCA. I compliment them on their dedication.
Compliments are rather hollow.
To respond to the latter part of the Deputy's question, I would like to be in a position to say that the two weeks training period can be restored. I would like to assure the House that the matter will be considered very seriously at the end of this year for 1992. I cannot make any other commitment.
Is the Minister aware that the effective training period on a one week training course is two days. Two days are spent preparing to go on camp, two days training and the remaining time preparing to come back. Therefore, the State is losing out. Would the Minister give a commitment in that regard? Furthermore, the present position is not cost effective, and the officers of the FCA will confirm that.
Surely the Deputy is not trying to tell me that it would take two days to get to camp and three days to get back. I visited FCA training camps last year and they are reasonably adjacent to the residence of each member. Members commence training on the afternoon they arrive and they also train on the day of their departure. Therefore, no time is lost. We recognise the commitment and dedication of members of the FCA and we acknowledge that we would like to do a lot more for them.
That disposes of questions for today.
I have just learned of the good news that the Birmingham Six have been released.
Buíochas le Dia.