Máirín Quill
Question:42 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Defence if he will have arrangements made to have FCA personnel issued with new uniforms as the present issue is now long out of date.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA and Slua Muirí.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:45 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence his views on the value of the predominantly voluntary service being given to the country by the FCA; and the proposals, if any, he has to improve conditions and morale in the force.
Robert Molloy
Question:59 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to restore the annual training to the FCA to the usual two weeks as the current one week is not sufficient.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 45 and 59 together.
At the outset I wish to express the Government's appreciation for the work of the members of An Forsa Cosanta Aitiúil and An Slua Muirí who give such a fine example of good citizenship to the youth of the country on an entirely voluntary basis.
Resources available within the limits of current financial constraints are used to the best advantage to achieve a reasonable balance of expenditure in the supply of new equipment, uniforms, continuation of training, etc.
The various components of the dress of members of An Foras Cosanta Aitiúil are reviewed regularly and modifications necessary to meet particular service requirements are carried out. Members have recently been issued with a new working dress and sweater. All articles of clothing on issue to the FCA are of the same pattern and quality as that on issue to members of the Permanent Defence Force. The only difference is in the distinguishing markings/flashes worn by the FCA.
The reduction in the normal annual training period that has applied for members of An Forsa Cosanta Aitiúil since 1983 as part of the Government's programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure will continue to be necessary in 1993. I am anxious to see the normal situation restored at the earliest opportunity. Deputies are aware that it was a fortnight but it is now only a week. In the meantime it is my intention to continue arrangements for the payment of the full amount of gratuity to members who undergo annual training. The fact that annual training has been reduced does not reflect a lack of appreciation of the voluntary efforts made by members and the contribution made by them in their regular attendance at local training.
As someone who served for many years in the FCA I am not blaming the Minister for the cutback in the annual training. It would seem to make a lot of sense that the two weeks that were previously available for annual training would be restored to the members of the FCA. This in fact is the only money available to them for the predominantly voluntary service they give to the country. Their efficiency as reserve soldiers would be increased greatly if the annual training were increased by 100 per cent from one to two weeks. I strongly urge the Minister, when he can, to reinstate the annual training of two weeks instead of the present one week for the members of the FCA.
Unfortunately I cannot give the Deputy such an undertaking because by doing so I would be misleading the Deputy and the House, As soon as the budgetary situation improves I would like to see the situation improved.
To put the matter of annual training into perspective, Defence Force regulations provide that members of An Forsa Cosanta Aitiúil and An Slua Muirí may, with their own consent, be requried to attend in each training year for a course of training for a continuous period of not less than seven days and not more than 21 days in the case of the FCA and in the case of An Slua Muirí not more than 14 days, at such time and place as the relevant military authorities may determine. While members who wish to attend for such training are facilitated as far as possible, many, due to business or other commitments, are unable to make themselves available. It was for not more than three weeks in the case of the FCA under the old regime and not more than 14 days in the case of An Slua Muirí. Due to the budgetary situation, there are only seven days training available. I will have a serious look at that because the FCA do a good job, as do An Slua Muirí. It will inculcate a sense of discipline into our young people and the easier it is made for them the better.
Is the Minister aware of the difficulty in maintaining morale in the FCA with the reduction in the period of annual training from two weeks to one week? Can we take it from his reply that there is no provision in this year's Estimates or in today's budget which would allow him to revert to the two-week training period? Could he outline what proposals he has in regard to the uniforms? What improvements does he propose to implement?
We will improve the appearance of uniforms. Members have recently been issued with a new working dress and sweater. All articles of clothing issued to the FCA are of the same pattern and quality as those issued to the Permanent Defence Force. There is no difference in pattern and quality. In relation to what will arise in the budget, I will have to try an old legal principle which is the wait and see rule. The budget will be announced shortly and in the circumstances we will just have to hold our breath.
The Minister would be familiar with the Estimates for his Department. Is there provision in the Book of Estimates for that?
No.
That means there is no provision for 1993-94.
It will be a surprise for the Deputy. Take it easy.
Would the Minister agree that it is a very short-sighted view on his part and on the part of his colleagues in Government not to allocate greater funds to the FCA in view of the fact that it now costs £60,000 per annum to keep one person in custody in Trinity House and an average of £600 a week to keep somebody in Mountjoy Prison? Would he not agree that the money would be far better spent encouraging people to join the FCA, instilling some discipline into young people and in affording them the opportunity of participating in rather than being a nuisance to society?
A comparison between the prison population and the FCA is invidious. I am having a serious look at the matter raised and I agree with the Deputy that the more time and experience of the Army we can give young people, the better.