Bernard J. Durkan
Question:170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the FCA; the level of training and equipment available for this force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23160/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Reserve.
On 31 August 1998, the latest date in respect of which figures have been compiled, the strength of the FCA was 13,923. The provision in the Defence Vote 1998 provides for 63,000 man-days to be used by members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí on seven-day periods of annual training, 14-day courses of instruction and casual security duties.
The clothing supplied to reserve force personnel is prescribed in Defence Forces regulations and is similar to the clothing on issue to the Permanent Defence Forces. A selection of the armament available for use by the reserve force personnel includes; FN rifles, Gustav sub-machine guns, Browning automatic pistols, anti-tank weapons, etc. With regard to transport, each unit has an allocation of mini-buses and other transport needs are provided from Permanent Defence Forces resources and by way of hire of civilian transport. Equipment for the forces is among the items being examined in the context of the study of the reserve which is taking place at present.
David Stanton
Question:173 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the numbers recruited into and discharged from the FCA and An Slua Muirí by command in the period 1 June to 30 September 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23208/98]
David Stanton
Question:174 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of PDF personnel, by rank, serving in a full time capacity with FCA as at 31 January 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23209/98]
David Stanton
Question:175 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of PDF personnel, by rank, serving with FCA in a part-time capacity as at 31 January 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23210/98]
David Stanton
Question:176 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the overall strength of the FCA on 31 October 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23211/98]
David Stanton
Question:177 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the total number of applicants, by command, for enlistment into the FCA; the numbers enlisted, by command, into the FCA; the number, by command, who failed to meet the prescribed medical requirements other than hearing requirements; the numbers, by command, who failed to meet the hearing requirements; the numbers, by command, whose enlistment is still in progress as at 30 September 1998; and the total numbers of persons discharged, by command, in respect of the period 1 April to 30 September 1998. [23212/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 to 177, inclusive, together.
The strength of the FCA on 31 August 1998, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 13,923. The numbers recruited to and discharged from the second line reserve from 1 April to 30 September 1998 are detailed in the tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the official report.
The other information sought by the Deputy is not readily available but will be forwarded as soon as it is compiled.
FCA-Slua Muirí — Enlistments 1 April-30 September 1998
|
Command |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
|
Eastern |
60 |
32 |
0 |
64 |
21 |
13 |
|
Southern |
47 |
46 |
94 |
23 |
4 |
9 |
|
Western |
96 |
22 |
39 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
Curragh |
8 |
22 |
28 |
49 |
– |
2 |
|
Slua Muirí |
1 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
– |
6 |
FCA-Slua Muirí — Discharges 1 April-30 September 1998
|
Command |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
|
Eastern |
51 |
41 |
0 |
56 |
4 |
29 |
|
Southern |
37 |
82 |
53 |
29 |
11 |
9 |
|
Western |
45 |
68 |
99 |
48 |
17 |
6 |
|
Curragh |
31 |
17 |
29 |
9 |
0 |
24 |
|
Slua Muirí |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |