Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 8

Written Answers. - Reduction of Defence Force Personnel.

Michael Bell

Question:

117 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the instructions issued by his Department to the Permanent Defence Force in relation to the reduction of its cadres staff to FCA units; the reason for any such instructions; if he will further outline the possible effect on the training and operation of FCA units as a result of any such decision by him; if any such decision was recommended by the General Staff Army Headquarters or from any other Defence Force source; when any such decision will take effect; the number of units by command, corps, battalion and company that will be affected by such direction; the number of privates, NCO's and officers who will be transferred from the FCA as a result of any such decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Daly)

The report of the Gleeson Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces clearly underlined the desirability of examining the whole question of the deployment of the Defence Forces. It is in this context that a rationalisation of FCA units is being considered. Examination of the matter is proceeding and there will be no decision in relation to the number of staff to be retained at any particular location until this examination has been completed. Forty officers of the Permanent Defence Force who had been employed with the FCA on a part-time basis were withdrawn from such duties with effect from 1 September 1991.