John V. Farrelly
Question:95 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the date on which he proposes to arrange for the long overdue issue of wet weather clothing to FCA personnel. [5053/98]
Written Answers. - FCA Equipment.
Charles Flanagan
Question:134 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the date on which he proposes to arrange for the long overdue issue of wet weather clothing to FCA personnel. [5055/98]
Michael Finucane
Question:138 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence the date on which he proposes to arrange for the long overdue issue of wet weather clothing to FCA personnel. [5054/98]
David Stanton
Question:161 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the date by which he proposes to arrange for the long overdue issue of wet weather clothing to FCA personnel. [5176/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 134, 138 and 161 together.
Following a study in 1995 by the military authorities of the clothing provided for the Reserve Defence Force, including the FCA, provision was made for the issue, on a pooled basis, to unit or sub-unit commanders of wet suits and ground-sheets, which can also be worn as ponchos, for issue to the members as and when required for training exercises. The study group, which examined all aspects of clothing for the reserve, found that the issue of protective clothing on a pooled basis, rather than a personal issue basis, would be adequate to provide the protection necessary for training in inclement weather conditions.
The Health and Safety Authority had indicated that the level of protective clothing on issue to the FCA is adequate to allay any concern that the authority may have had in that regard.