Question:
22 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Defence when a company of the FCA from the Cathal Brugha Barracks will relocate to Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23027/97]
Written Answers. - Reserve Defence Force.
Martin Brady
Question:43 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of FCA personnel recruited from 1 January 1997 to 1 October 1997; and the plans, if any, he has for recruitment in 1998. [23028/97]
Billy Timmins
Question:89 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for the development of the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23245/97]
Billy Timmins
Question:90 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel currently serving in the FCA. [23249/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 43, 89 and 90 together.
The question of relocating a company of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil from Cathal Brugha Barrack to Baldonnel has had consideration by the military authorities recently. However, the question does not arise for the present in the light of the forthcoming study of the Reserve Defence Force, which I announced recently, and the efficiency audit group review of the Air Corps that is taking place at present. Accordingly, pending the outcome of the study and the review no decision will be taken on relocating an FCA company in Baldonnel.
Similarly, any development of the FCA that may be necessary will, I am confident, be identified by the Reserve Defence Force study group. The group will have wide-ranging terms of reference and its objective will be the development of a more effective, efficient and value for money Reserve Force.
A total of 1,612 personnel were recruited to the FCA to the end of September 1997. Recruitment, which takes place at local level, is permitted to the extent necessary to replace wastage. Accordingly, there are no recruitment campaigns for enlistment in the reserve. The strength of the FCA on 30 September 1997, the latest date in respect of which figures have been compiled, was 14,459.