Seán Ryan
Question:1 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he has any proposals to meet with representatives of the new FCÁ representative body FCÁRA; and if he will outline his attitude to this organisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCÁ Representative Body.
Under the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the statutory authority for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Defence Forces is the Minister for Defence. Considerable progress has been made towards the establishment of representative associations for the Permanent Defence Force. The question of the establishment of representative structures for members of the Reserve Defence Force, including An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil, is now under consideration by my Department. Any views which members of the FCÁ may wish to put forward in consultation and discussion with them will be taken into account.
These are questions nominated for priority and under Standing Orders there is a time limit.
I am disappointed that the Minister of State has not given a more positive response to this very important question. May I ask him if he would agree to meet with and offically recognise this representative body in the near future? In my view they should have been catered for in the legislation but notwithstanding that omission I would ask the Minister of State, following his meeting with FCÁRA, to bring forward the necessary legislation which will allow him to recognise this body. I ask him to give such a commitment this afternoon.
Please let us remember that we are dealing with priority questions. The question is going on too long.
I regret that the Deputy was disappointed with my response which I felt was a reasonably positive one. I have indicated that any views which members of the FCÁ may wish to put forward in our consultations with them will be taken into account. As we are all aware, a number of issues have been discussed at the meetings which have taken place. My Department will be very pleased to take into consideration any views or observations submitted officially to them.
A final brief, relevant and succinct question from the Deputy.
Will the Minister give us a definite commitment to meet them at an early date given that FCÁ personnel feel they are the poor relation of the Defence Forces? That is the reason they felt it necessary to set up this organisation. It is in everyone's interest that legislation be enacted to enable the Minister to recognise them. I call on the Minister of State, once again, to meet with them and introduce the necessary legislation.
The Deputy should know from his experience that he should not seek a definite commitment as this is a very delicate matter. Discussions are taking place——
Will the Minister meet them for discussions?
——and progress can be made but it will take time.
Céist a do.
A Cheann Comhairle, may I ask a final question?
Deputy Ryan, I said resume your seat.
There are only three priority questions.
Deputy Ryan, I said resume your seat.
The Chair is being very unfair.
The Deputy wants to make a meal of this.