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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 6

Written Answers. - FCA/Slua Muirí Policy.

Michael Bell

Question:

23 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to reorganise and reduce the current strength of the FCA/Slua Muiri; when a report will be presented to the Government on this matter; if he will allow a discussion with the representative body; if the number of PDF staff of FCA/Slua Muiri attached to the FCA /Slua Muiri units will be reduced; the plans, if any, he has for disbanding field artillery regiments, military police, engineers, supply transport, signals, medical and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4653/96]

I would like to stress the importance of the FCA and the Slua Muirí to the structure and organisation of the Defence Forces and the esteem in which they are held by the Government.

The FCA and Slua Muirí are voluntary organisations. Their commitment and dedication cannot be commended too highly. The contribution of the FCA and Slua Muirí personnel to the community is considerable and is recognised and valued throughout the country and at national level by the Government.

Yesterday I announced the Government's decisions in relation to the plans for the restructuring and reorganisation of the Defence Forces. There will be implications for the organisation of the reserve Defence Force but the emphasis in the first phase of the plan will be on the structure and organisation of the Permanent Defence Force. It is intended that the role of the FCA and the Slua Muirí and the future shape of their structure and organisation will be dealt with in detail in a later phase of the reorganisation process.

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