John O'Leary
Question:6 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Defence if he will have arrangements made for the recruitment of additional members to the FCA in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11457/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry FCA.
The overall permitted strength of the FCA is 16,361, all ranks, each unit in the FCA having its own permitted strength level. The permitted strength level for the FCA unit based in County Kerry, 15 Infantry Battalion, is 902 all ranks. The unit has a current strength of 901 personnel and is not therefore, in a position to recruit additional personnel at this time. Potential recruits are retained on a waiting list and will be enlisted as vacancies arise.
Is it the Minister's intention to increase the numbers of members of the FCA assigned to County Kerry in the near future and, if so, how this will be done?
Because of the overall permitted strength of the FCA of 16,361 a difficulty arises. Each unit is allotted a certain number, which means that if the allocation to one unit is increased a corresponding number must be taken from another. As the Deputy will appreciate, there are very few units, if any, prepared to give way on their permitted strength. In some areas in County Kerry, where there are six companies — in Tralee, Caherciveen, Dingle, Killarney, Killorglin and Listowel — there is great interest in membership of the FCA, on which I congratulate the people of Kerry. They are already at their permitted strength of 902. It would be difficult to increase their strength by diminishing another. Perhaps we can re-examine the overall position. I will endeavour to facilitate the Deputy to the greatest extent possible.
Given that the FCA provide a very good back-up service for mountain rescue teams and the Garda in carrying out mountain and sea searches and having regard to the discipline and training for people in their late teens and early twenties within the FCA, will the Minister please re-examine the position to ascertain whether the numbers for County Kerry could be increased?
If we increase the numbers for Kerry we must reduce them in another county. It is a question of getting agreement to such a proposal which is not normally easy. However, I will ask my officials to ascertain whether it is possible.