Billy Timmins
Question:3 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the 78th, 79th, 80th, 81st and 82nd Infantry Battalions serving with UNIFIL at the start and end of their tours of duty. [13228/98]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Priority Questions. - Infantry Battalions.
The 78th Infantry Battalion departed for Lebanon in October 1995 with a strength of 537 personnel. There were 13 repatriations and the strength on return was 524. The 79th Infantry Battalion departed in April 1996 with a strength of 541 personnel. There were eight repatriations and the strength on return was 533. In October 1996 the 80th Infantry Battalion departed with a strength of 540. There were 11 repatriations and the strength on return was 529. The 81st Infantry Battalion departed for Lebanon in April 1997 with a strength of 530. There were nine repatriations and the strength on return was 521. The 82nd Infantry Battalion departed for Lebanon in October 1997 with a strength of 530. There were 20 repatriations and the strength on return was 510.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Does he agree the figures show that the strength of the last two battalions dropped by approximately ten in each case on the previous two battalions and that this indicates we cannot fulfil our current commitment to overseas duties? In reply to a matter raised by Deputy Wall on the Adjournment on 26 May the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children stated, on behalf of the Minister for Defence, that there is no official position on the possibility of FCA personnel serving overseas. However, an article in today's edition of The Irish Times states that the chief of staff said he would prefer to use FCA personnel rather than contract civilian personnel. Is this a scare tactic or are there proposals to use FCA personnel overseas? Is recruitment of civilian personnel in the paramedics area being considered? What are the Minister's views on this? Recruitment and allowances are the main difficulties with personnel serving overseas. The concept of getting a replacement force for current personnel is not acceptable. It would be akin to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform recruiting a reserve Garda force in the current circumstances rather than addressing the problem in the force.
Approximately 98 of the 82nd Infantry Battalion applied to return and it was agreed that 58 of them should return on the present contingent. That is an indication of the numbers that are anxious to continue serving overseas. We have been serving in south Lebanon for more than 20 years and some personnel have returned on several occasions. Repatriation frequently takes place for urgent domestic reasons and we must provide counselling services and so on. We are running close to the wire and that is why we are examining what needs to be done to ensure we have the necessary specialist services to fulfil our obligations to the UN in south Lebanon at a time when there are neither sufficient volunteers nor personnel in the Permanent Defence Force. Discussions are taking place, but I have not received any proposals regarding FCA personnel serving overseas. When I do, I will give them due consideration. We are at the preliminary stages of planning for developments we envisage might take place in the next few years. We do not perceive a problem in fulfilling our mandate in the next few years, but if we are to remain in south Lebanon for a prolonged period, we must ensure the necessary personnel are available and provide the necessary training and support services.
Does the Minister agree it is not good practice for personnel in the Defence Forces and the FCA to discover what is being proposed from a journalist or in some other way rather than through the system? Does he agree the Department did not consult as widely as it should have in this matter?
I am always concerned to ensure maximum consultation takes place with PDFORA and RACO on a wide range of matters. I understand this matter arose in the context of the current review of the reserve forces. I accept it is very important that consultative procedures are adhered to and that people know where they stand. However, we are at a preliminary stage in discussions and major changes have not been proposed. I have not received any proposals on this matter, but when I do I will consider them.