I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me permission to raise this matter on the Adjournment and I thank the Minister of State. Deputy Barrett, for attending.
The Army School of Music was established in 1923. Its objectives were the production of first-class military bands; the training of bandsmen for these bands; the training of Irish bandsmasters and the development of Irish music. It was hoped at the time that the scheme would contribute to music literacy and promote a revival of interest in music throughout the country. The formation of the bands had begun, and since 1936 each of the four commands has had its own band. The bands have been a great source of pride for many years. How often have we all seen and heard the Army Band perform at a State or military occasion, a concert, a visit to a school or an appearance at a local festival or field day? The bands provided a wonderful service to communities throughout Ireland. We must not underestimate the enormous contribution the Army School of Music has made to the development of music. It is vital that development continues because it is as important today as it was 70 years ago.
An efficiency audit group was established in 1988 to examine the workings and practices of each Government Department with a view to recommending improved or alternative methods which would reduce costs and improve efficiency. We had a debate in this House last week on the EAG report and there was widespread agreement that change is necessary within the Defence Forces — anybody who is in contact with members of the Defence Forces knows that they agree change is necessary. It was insinuated some time ago that members of the Defence Forces were reluctant to change, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is obvious that when the efficiency audit group studied the Defence Forces, in many cases it simply scratched the surface; it took the easy option.
The strength of the Army School of Music is 193 and Price Waterhouse recommends that the number be reduced to 45, the School of Music be retained and that there be only one band. The efficiency audit group had no idea of the difficulties implementation of these proposals would create. It knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing.
Let us look back to the time the present members of our Army bands started their careers. The majority of these people signed up when they were 14, 15 or 16 years of age and the only training they received was musical. Therefore, there is no point talking about redeployment. These people have been involved in music all their lives. They are professional musicians and have no other qualifications. When these men and women joined the Army School of Music major contractual restrictions were placed on them. Courses and opportunities available to other soldiers were not available to band members. These people now feel cheated. They accepted the major contractual restrictions at the time because they were in for the long haul.
Leaks about this matter appear week after week and this has had a negative effect on the morale of the members of the Army School of Music. They feel uncertain about their future and their families feel let down. They now realise the Minister is seriously considering the abolition of the Army School of Music. This is poor reward for people who have given so much pleasure to so many people. The Minister refused to accept the proposals put forward in regard to the Equitation School and I compliment him on that. He is obviously in touch with the Equitation School and is aware of the opportunities there.
The Minister should recognise the great service the Army School of Music has provided by refusing to accept the proposal. He should consult with these people before making a decision about their future. It is the least they deserve. While I recognise the necessity for change within the Defence Forces, members of that Army School of Music provide a very important service, very much appreciated by Irish people, and they should be allowed continue in their chosen careers.
If the proposal put forward is implemented members of the Army bands will have great difficulty in getting employment elsewhere. Since they are trained specifically for music, there are few opportunities for them outside the Army. The Minister must change his tune on this matter.
