Ní féidir liom a rá anois cad a thiocfaidh as sin mar, i measc nithe eile, ní mór cuimhneamh ar chostais mhéadaithe agus ar na stoic atá ann anois a úsáid.
Chun go bhféadfaidh an tAer-Chór an rud atá tógtha aige air féin a chomhlíonadh i leith traenáil ardchéime do Dhaltaí agus d'Oifigigh Phíolótachta, is gá soláthar a dhéanamh chun aerárthaí oiriúnacha a cheannach in ionad na meaisíní "Spitfire" atá i ndeireadh a maitheasa. Go deimhin, gan obair na cothabhála a bheith ar fheabhas sa Chór, bheadh na haerárthaí sin ó mhaith le fada an lá. Agus na meaisíní "Spitfire" ar a slí amach anois, níl ar fáil le haghaidh traenáil ardchéime ach an trí scairdaerárthach "Vampire" agus níl siadsin oiriúnach in aon chor don mhéid daoine faoi thaenáil. Agus ag iarraidh dúinn aerárthaí nua a sholáthar in ionad na meaisíni "Spitfire", caithfimid coimeád i gcuimhne nach bhfuil ar fáil a thuilleadh lena gceannach sa scaird-aois seo, aerárthaí traenála ardchéime den saghas neamh-scairde nó loine. Ar ndóigh, fiú amháin le haghaidh traenála bunchéime, is amhlaidh atá scaird-eitleáin á bhforbairt agus á n-úsáid anois i dtíortha áirithe. Is gné bhunúsach d'eagraíocht an Aer-Chóir, Scéim an gCoimisiún Gearr-Sheirbhíse, agus is príomhchuspóir na Scéime sin, píolótaí a chur ar fáil chun folúntais in Aer-Lingus a líonadh. Níl aon eagraíocht náisiúnta eile ann go fóill, ar aon chuma, óna bhféadfaí píolótaí den saghas sin a fháil agus, ar an ábhar sin, tá sé fíorriachtanach leanúint den scéim a oibriú go héifeachtach. Chun léargas éigin a thabhairt ar a tábhacht sin, is leor a rá gur scaoileadh sé phíolóta dhéag den Aer-Chór so bhliain 1959-60 amháin chun dul ar seirbhís le hAer-Lingus. Agus ó 1952 i leith, scaoileadh timpeall le sé phíolóta is tríocha ar fad chun folúntais a líonadh sa Chuideachta sin.
Ós mar sin atá an scéal, tá beartaithe trí cinn eile de Scaird-Eitleáin "Vampire" a cheannach. Tá soláthar ina chomhair déanta i bhFo-Mhírcheann O—Stórais Ghinearálta— agus tá an soláthar sin ina chúis le £147,000 den mhéadú de £169,470 ar an bhFo-Mhírcheann sin. Tá an chuid eile den mhéadú inchurtha i leith an riachtanais a bhaineann le trealamh Comharthaíochta chomh maith le trealamh agus uirlisí eile a bhfuil géar-ghá leo, a cheannach.
I dteannta aer-thraenáil agus dualgais mhíleata eile a chomhlíonadh dó, b'fhéidir nár mhiste a lua anseo go gcuireann an tAer-Chór seirbhísí fóntacha ar fáil do Ranna eile Stáit. I gcúrsaí grianghrafachta, d'oibrigh sé ar feadh na bliana i gcomhar leis an Roinn Talmhaíochta, an Roinn Tailte, an Roinn Poist agus Teileagraf, Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí agus an tSuirbhéireacht Gheolaíochta i mórán aerghrianghraf—tuairim is 4,000 díobh— a thógaint agus a chur ar fáil i dtaca le scéimeanna móra a iniúchadh agus a chur chun cinn. Bíonn an Cór ar glaoch rialta freisin chun cuidiú leis an Roinn Iompair agus Cumhachta i dTrealamh Cabhair-Loingseoireachta a thástáil ag Aerfoirt na Sionainne agus Bhaile Uí Choileáin agus, lena chois sin, chun cleachtadh a thabhairt do lucht oibrithe an Radar Shibhialta sna háiteanna sin.
Lean An tSeirbhís Ghabhlaigh de bheith ag caomhnú na hiascaireachta i rith na bliana. De dhroim na mbonn-línte nua arna n-údarú faoin Acht um Dhlínse Mhuirí a thabhairt isteach ar an lú Eanáir seo caite, méadaíodh go mór an réimhse farraige nó na huiscí is gá a chaomhnú. Tagann de sin, ar ndóigh, gur méadaíodh ar chúram agus ar dhualgais na Seirbhíse Cabhlaigh, freisin. Rinneadh mór-athghléasadh ar L.E. Maev le déanaí agus, anois, tá trí chairbhéid fhóntacha ar fáil.
Nuair a bhí an iascaireacht faoi lán seoil amach ón gcósta thoir theas i dtosach na bliana seo, bhí dhá chairbhéid ar fáil chun faire bhuan a dheanamh ar an líomatáiste.
Tá socair go ngabhfaidh An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh de lámh, ón lú Aibreán amach, teachtaireachtaí muirghuaise a ghlacadh agus a chraobhscaoileadh agus, fós, na bearta tarrthála nach mór a dhéanamh dá ndeasca sin, a chomhoirniú. Roimhe seo, ba é cúram na Roinne Iompair agus Cumhachta an tseirbhís sin a chur ar fáil. Ina thaobh sin, tá socruithe á gcríochnú chun go ndéanfar an comhoirniú is gá leis an Roinn Poist agus Teileagraf, leis an nGarda Síochána agus leis na comhlachtaí eile lena mbaineann an scéal.
Socraíodh tuairim is dhá bhliain ó shin go mbeadh ar dhaltaí nua na Seirbhíse Cabhlaigh a dtraenáil go léir mar dhaltaí a dhéanamh sa tír seo. Roimhe sin, ba ghá daltaí a chur go Fundúireachtaí Cabhlaigh Shasana chun a dtraenáil thosaigh a dhéanamh. Ach leis an méadú a bhí ag teacht ar éifeachtúlacht na Seirbhíse agus mar gheall ar an taithí a bhí á fáil ag na hoifigigh de thoradh traenála agus cúrsaí a dhéanamh cois baile agus amuigh, measadh nár ghá a thuilleadh, leanúint den nós sin. Leagadh amach scéim traenála trína socraítear go ndéanann Daltaí Cabhlaigh a dtraenáil céad-bhliana sa Choláiste Mileata i bhfara le Daltaí Airm céad-bhliana agus dtraenáil dara bliana sa Scoil Chabhlaigh in Inis Sionnach. Tá an tathrú an-oiriúnach sin i bhfeidhm anois agus, dá bharr, thosaigh an tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh ar a céad scata de cheathrar dalta a thraenáil in Inis Sionnach, lá Feabhra seo caite.
Ar nós an Fhórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, fanann An Slua Muirí ar lán-líon agus leanann sé de fheabhas a chur ar a thraenáil.
Mar a fheicfidh Teachtaí, tá méadú de £96,520 ar Fho-Mhírcheann P-Trealamh Cosantach. Téann £19,522 den mhéid sin chun méadú ar thabhairt-anonn a ghlanadh, is é sin, stórais a ordaíodh ach nár díoladh astu—toisc seachadadh moillithe— roimh an 31ú Márta, 1960. Sa bhFo-Mhírcheann seo, is í an phríomh-mhír agus an t-aon mhír nua amháin, an soláthar de £50,000 atá á dhéanamh chun roinnt arm nua fritanc de mheánraon agus lón lámhaigh nach raibh againn cheana, a cheannach. Is leor chun riachtanais traenána na huaire an méid atá á cheannach ach ní leor é dá mbeidh ag teastáil ó Óglaigh na hÉireann ar ball. Is chuige, i gcoitinne, an chuid eile den mhéadú ar an bhFo-Mhírcheann—is é sin, timpeall le £27,000 chun costas méadaithe na n-arm agus an lóin lámhaigh a ghlanadh, nithe nár ceannaíodh ach fíorbheagán díobh le blianta beaga anuas.
I rith na bliana airgeadais 1959/60 críochnaíodh agus osclaíodh Lútharlann Nua sa Churrach, b'ionann is criochnuithe Halla Nua Bia agus Cocús in Áth Luain agus tosaoidh ar cheithre cinn is fiche de cheathrúnapósta a chur suas do shaighdiúirí i gCorcaigh. Sa Churrach, críochnaíodh an Eaglais nua Chaitliceach a thóg Coimisinéirí na nOibreacha Poiblí agus, lena chois sin, meastar go mbeidh Halla Nua Bia agus Cocús atá á dtógáil i nDún Phluincéid ag na Coimisinéirí, freisin, ullamh lena n-áitiú i mbliana. Leantar d'aire a thabhairt do thaitneamhachtaí eile a chur ar fáil do shaighdiúirí atá ina gcónaí sna beairice, freisin, agus is é sin is mó is cúis leis na méaduithe de £10,780 ar Fho-Mhírcheann R agus de £13,955 ar Fho-Mhírcheann V. Ní bheidh ach dea-thoradh ar na taitneamhachtaí seo go huile a chur ar fáil, agus is léir gurb é leas na ndaoine atá ina gcónaí iontu, na tithe maithe a cuireadh suas cheana féin i mBaile Átha Cliath, sa Churrach agus in Áth Luain.
Den mhéid iomlán de 1,599 bhfostaí, dá bhfuil soláthar déanta faoi Fho-Mhírcheann C, beidh 988 nduine acu ar fostú leis an gCór Innealtóirí, go mór mór, ar aireachasú agus cothabháil na bhfundúireachtaí agus na mbeairicí atá ann faoi láthair agus ar oibreacha nua i dtaca le maoin mhíleata. Is méadú beag é sin ar an bhfigiúr don bhliain 1959/60. Is ceardaithe, fir oibre, stórálaithe, cléirigh, clóscríobhaithe, etc., atá ar fostú leis na Cóir éagsúla, an cuid eile de 611. Tá laghdú ar an uimhir atá á soláthar don tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh de bharr mór-athghléasadh na gcairbhéidí a bheith críocnaithe.
Tá beartaithe go rachaidh Foireann Mharcaíochta an Airm sna comórtais léimní mar ba ghnáth, ar an Mór-Roinn, sna Stáit Aontaithe agus cois baile i mbliana, agus dá dhroim sin, tá soláthar déanta i bhFo-Mhírcheann A. 2—Caiteachais Fhoirne Marcaíochta ag Taispeántais Chapall—chun £10,000 a chaitheamh ina leith, is é sin, méadú de £7,500.
Le roinnt bliana anuas, tá aire ar leith á tabhairt do fheabhas a chur ar Fhoireann Mharcaíochta an Airm. Tá sé an-deacair foireann mhaith a bhunú i ndálaí an lae inniu ach ní mór bheith foighneach san obair agus cuimhneamh air go "mbeireann buan bua". Is deimhin liom go bhfuil dul ar aghaidh á dhéanamh agus go bhfuil againn anois lárlíon de chapaill agus de mharcaigh sár-mhaithe a bhfuil ar a gcumas, ach cuid den ádh a rith leo, cáil a bhaint amach dóibh féin san am le teacht.
De thoradh an tsoláthair mhéadaithe a rinneadh anuraidh chun capaill a cheannach, cuireadh ar chumas Bord Ceannaithe na gCapall sé cinn d'ainmhithe a cheannach ar luachanna Ó £500 go £1,500. Ainmhí óg ab ea beagach gach ceann acu sin, áfach, agus iad i ngá le tréimhse fhada traenála, agus, dá dheasca sin, tógfaidh sé cúpla bliain chun a bhfuil ar a gcumas mar léimeadóirí ag taispeántais idirnáisiúnta a thabhairt chun cinn. Ba mhór an mhaith don Scoil Eachaíochta anois cúpla léimeadóir a bheith inti ab eol a bheith thar barr ach is beag an chosúlacht go mbeidh a leithéidí le fáil. Is é is dóichí go mbeidh orainn dul sa seans le hainmhithe óga agus, trí thriail agus cuileáil, féachaint le foireann de léimeadóirí fíor-mhaithe a chur le chéile, ach leanfaidh Bord Ceannaithe na gCapall de bheith san airdeall ar aon léimeadóirí oiriúnacha is eol a bheith ar fheabhas agus a bheadh ullamh chun dul sna comórtais idirnáisiúnta láithreach.
Le hionchas líon na marcach a bheadh ar fáil a mhéadú agus chun soláthar a dhéanamh do mharcaigh eile a theacht ina ndiaidh, coimeádadh ceithre dhaltas ar leithligh anuraidh d'iarratasóirí a mbeadh taithi acu ar mharcaíocht ach is trua nár tháinig aon iarrthóirí oiriúnacha i láthair. Táthar ag súil leis an tairiscint chéanna a dhéanamh i mbliana. Ba cheart go mbeadh tarraingt ag na caíonna sin ag daoine óga a bhfuil spéis acu i bhfiach nó i léimneach taispeántais mar spórt nó mar chaitheamh aimsire. I dteannta gairm beatha a chur in áirithe tri ghlacadh leis an tairiscint, tá caoi ann freisin do dhaoine óga cáil idirnáisiúnta a bhaint amach dóibh féin, don Arm agus don tír.
Tá laghdú de £10,935 ar Fho-Mhírcheann P.1.—Cosaint Shibhialta. Tá laghdú ar an soláthar a rinneadh d'éidí mar tá stoic áirithe á gcoimeád ag mo Roinnse in oirchill ar a gceannach ag na húdaráis áitiúla lena dtabhairt amach do phearsanra Cosanta Sibhialta. Is leor na stoic sin agus na stoic laghdaithe dá ndéantar soláthar anois do riachtanais na bliana seo. I ngach slí eile, méadaitear an soláthar atá déanta do threalamh agus do stórais i gcoitinne. Ar na nithe móra, tá oirnéisí breise radiac chun pearsanra Cosanta Sibhialta ar fuaid na tíre a thraenáil in astitim raidighníomhach a bhrath agus a thomhas; roinnt d'innill nua-aimseartha dóiteán chun pearsanra den Fho-Sheirbhís Múchta Dóiteán a thraenáil, agus otharchóistí chun pearsanra de Sheirbhís Taismeach na Cosanta Sibhialta a thraenáil.
Cé gur lú go mór ná mar is gá an méid earcach atá ag teacht isteach sa Chosaint Shibhialta, is ábhar misnigh a fheiceáil ó fhigiúirí na n-údarás áitiúil, mar sin féin, go raibh méadú de timpeall le 1,000 ar an uimhir a tháinig isteach anuraidh. 4,800 nó mar sin, méid iomlán na ndaoine faoi láthair a thairg iad féin chun na seirbhíse seo. I gcoitinne, tuigeann na húdaráis áitiúla go maith an gá atá le breis saorálaithe agus tá a ndícheall á dhéanamh acu chun iadsin a fháil. Tá a coin á dhéanamh ag mo Roinnse, freisin, trí éidí agus trealamh dá lán saorálaithe, a bheith ar fáil inti.
Maidir leis an Eagraíocht seo, an Chosaint Shibhialta, is ró-shásúil an rud é, mar a dhealraíonn anois, go bhfuil lárlíon úsáideach á bhunú ina lán bailte móra ar fuaid na tíre, ag na daoine a chuaigh isteach inti. Bíonn Cleachtais agus Campaí Deireadh Seachtaine ar siúl ag cuid de na grúpaí sin agus, i gcontaetha áirithe, tá siad ag socrú eatarthu féin chun Cleachtais a dhéanamh le chéile. Rud spreagúil is ea é sin agus, i mo thuairim, comhartha chomh maith go bhfuil an Eagraíocht á daingniú go teann agus bun láidir fúithi ar a bhféadfar tógáil i dtráth.
Ba cheart dom a rá, freisin, go bhfuiltear ag dul ar aghaidh le pleanáil ghinearálta na Cosanta Sibhialta don Stát. Mar shampla, sna míonna seo chugainn, táthar ag súil go mbeidh socair ag gach údarás áitiúil cad iad fo-ranna teorann an chontae-bhoirg nó an chontae, i dtaca le rialú ginearálta don Chosaint Shibhialta ina líomatáiste feidhmiúcháin. De thoradh an cor seo sa phleanáil, is usa go mór múnla na heagraíochta i ngach contae-bhorg agus contae a thabhairt chun cinn. Fairis sin, tá a lán gnéithe eile den phleanáil á mbreithniú faoi láthair ar a n-áirítear cumarsáidí, rabhaidh a thabhairt, beartas i dtaobh scáthlán, aslonnú agus a leithéidí sin.
Is chuige an obair sin chun teacht ar réitigh a fhéadfaí a chur i bhfeidhm ar na fadhbanna éagusúla a bheadh ann don tír seo, agus droch-iarsmaí cogaidh ag cur uirthi. Go deimhin, tá an ghné seo de phleanáil na Cosanta Sibhialta ar na gnéithe is mó le rá mar, má thagann éigeandáil orainn, beidh socair againn ar a laghad, cad í an tslí is fearr ina bhféadfaimid a droch-iarsmaí ar an bpobal a mhaolú.
Roimh dhul ar aghaidh dom ón gCosaint Shibhialta, ba cheart a rá, b'fhéidir, go ndéanfar feasta, mar a rinneadh cheana, gach cabhair agus gach misneach uaimse agus ó mo Roinn, a thabhairt go fonnmhar do na húdaráis áitiúla i gcomhlíonadh a n-oibleagáidí reachtúla.
Tagann na hoibleagáidí i gceist faoi na hAchtanna um Réamh-chúram in aghaidh Aer-Ruathar, a thugann ar na húdaráis áitiúla a ullmhú agus a chur i bhfeidhm maidir lena líomatáistí feidhmiúcháin féin, scéimeanna chun daoine agus maoin a chaomhnú ar dhíobháil nó damáiste i gcás amas ón aer agus chun iarsmaí na díobhála nó an damáiste sin a mhaolú. Mar a dúirt mé cheana, tuigeann formhór na n-údarás áitiúil a bhfuil ceangailte orthu de réir dlí ina thaobh sin agus tá siad ag obair i gcomhar iomlán le mo Roinnse ag iarraidh bearta éifeachtúla i dtaca leis an gCosaint Shibhialta a chur á ndéanamh.
Is eol dom áfach, ó thuairiscí a bhí sna nuachtáin le déanaí, agus is dona an scéal é, gur dhiúltaigh cúpla údarás áitiúil do sholáthar ar bith nó do sholáthar cothrom a dhéanamh ina meastacháin le haghaidh na Cosanta Sibhialta sa bhliain atá romhainn. De réir na dtuairiscí adúradh, nochtadh tuairimí áirithe á phléadáil nach ceart go n-iarrfaí ar an údarás aitiúil aon cuid de ohostas na Cosanta Sibhialta a íoc.
Dúradh, mar shampla, gur ceart go ndéanfadh an tArm an obair seo. Taispeánann dearcadh den sórt sin nach bhfuil eolas ar bith ag na daoine sin ar an gCosaint Shibhialta—eagraíocht arb é a bun agus a barr, an pobal a eagrú agus a thraenáil ina nduine is ina nduine i slí go bhféadfaidh siad, iad féin, a gclanna agus a gcomharsana a chaomhnú ar na contúirtí a ghabhann le cogadh eithneach. Má thagann cogadh den sórt sin, is é rud is tábhachtaí ina thaobh, oiread daoine agus is féidir a thabhairt slán as agus, mura ndéanfaidh na daoine an t-ullmhúchan is gá chun iad féin a chosaint, go mór mór ar an astitim raidighníomhach, is ró-mhairg dóibh ar uair na héigne.
Ní fhéadfadh an tArm na feidhmeanna go léir a bhaineann leis an gCosaint Shibhialta a chomhlíonadh. Tá a lán do na feidhmeanna sin cosúil le seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil ag na húdaráis áitiúila de ghnáth, fiú amháin in am síochána agus, orthu sin tá :— daoine breoite agus daoine gortaithe a chur in ospidéal; múchadh dóiteán; tithe a chur ar fáil do dhaoine a bheadh i ngá leo; cabhrú le daoine i gcruatan; is é sin le rá, feidhmeanna a mbaineann gach ceann acu le fóirithint ar dhaoine agus le maoin a shábháil; a dhéantar ag na húdaráis áitiúla mar chuid de ghnáth-obair an lae; agus nárbh fholáir a mhéadú go mór i gcás cogadh a theacht. Is ar éigin is gá a rá nach bhféadfadh an tArm na dualgais sin a chur díobh.
Ar chuma ar bith, is cosaint ghníomhach príomh-fheidhm an Airm agus is chuige sin a eagrú agus a thraenáil. Dá dtagadh cogadh, chaithfí an tArm a leathnú agus a mhéadú go mór chun go bhféadfadh sé a phríomh-ghnó a dhéanamh agus, dá dhroim sin, ní bheadh ar a chumas cúram na Cosanta Sibhialta a thógaint air féin. Ní ionann sin is a rá dá dtarlaíodh, i gcás amas ón aer, an tArm a bheith saor ó ghníomhaiochtaí eile, nach dtabharfadh sé gach cabhair ab fhéidir do lucht na Cosanta Sibhialta. Ach dá bhféadfaimís bheith cinnte féin go mbeadh an tArm ar fáil chuige sin, níor lú an gá Cosaint Shibhialta a bheith ann, go mór mór sa mhéid go mbaineann le bardaigh, múchadh dóiteán, an tSeirbhís Taismeach agus an tSeirbhís Leasa.
Cé gur cheart liom an argóint sin a bhréagnú go bhféadfadh nó gur chóir go bhféadfadh an tArm amháin bheith freagrach sa Chosaint Shilhialta, caithfear cuimhneamh ar an ní tábhachtach seo gur cuma cad iad na tuairimí atá ag corr-chomhaltaí de na húdaráis áitiúla nó cad í an dilseacht lena nochtar iad, ní dhéanann siad difríocht dá laghad don dlí atá ann sa scéal. Tiocfaidh de bhearta den sórt atá luaite agam, ní amháin drochthoradh ar na hiarrachtaí mall-réidhe atá á ndéanamh chun an lárlíon is lú d'Eagraíocht Chosanta Sibhialta a chur ar a bhoinn, ach rud níos measa fós, is é sin, baint ó mhisneach na saorálaithe atá toilteanach a n-am saor a chaitheamh le traenáil Chosanta Sibhíalta.
Ba mhór an dochar a dhéanfaí don éifeachtúlacht agus den mheanmnacht dá gceaptaí nach raibh na Comhlachtaí atá freagrach sa tseirbhís seo, fabhrach don Chosaint Shíbhialta. Agus cé go bhfuil mé muiníneach go leanfaidh na húdaráis áitiúla dá gcion féin a dhéanamh go héifeachtach san obair seo, is féidir go mbeidh orm an beart a bhreithniú ba ghá a dhéanamh i gcásanna nach bhfuil na hoibleagáidí reachtúla á gcomhlíonadh.
Tá an méid £15,450 atá á sholáthar i bhFo-Mhírcheann X3 mar dheontas-i-gcabhair do Chumann Croise Deirge na hÉireann £2,500 níos lí ná an méid a soláthraíodh anuraidh. Gach bliain, bíonnan deontas-i-gcabhair is gá ag brath ar na gníomhaíochtaí is dealraitheach a mbeidh an Cumann páirteach iontu agus, lena chois sin, an méid airgid a mbíonn sé féin ag súil lena bhailiú. Ar an bhfigiúr de £15,450 i meastacháin na bliana seo, áirítear £10,000 i leith imeachtaí laethúla an Chumainn; £5,000 mar chothabháil ar ghrúpa de Dhídeanaithe Bán-Ruiseacha ón tSín Thuaidh, a bhfuil ocht nduine dhéag díobh faoi chúram an Chumainn anois sa Teach ar a dtugtar "Naomh Aindrias" i Ráth Maonais; agus tá £450 ann mar shíntiús ón Stát do Choiste Idirnáisiúnta na Croise Deirge.
Leanann An Cumann dá obair inmholta—ag tabhairt faoiseamh do dhaoine i gcruatan agus i nguais. Ghabh sé air féin an achainí a dhéanamh ar son na nDídeanaithe Domhanda, agus tugadh deontas le déanaí mar fhóirithint ar dhaoine i ngátar éis an crith talún tubaisteach i Maracó.
Sílim go bhfuil cur síos déanta agam anois ar phríomh-ghnéithe an Mheastacháin agus, le linn dom an díospóireacht a chur chun críche, beidh áthas orm aon eolas eile is gá a thabhairt.
The gross Estimate for 1960/61 is £7,657,987, and the net Estimate, after deduction of Appropriations-in-Aid, is £7,472,740. This is an increase of £742,661 over the net Estimate for 1959/60 as itself increased by a transfer of £6,179 from the Vote for remuneration in respect of Civil Service pay increases. There must also be taken into account, however, the supplementary amount of £32,000 recently voted in respect of the increases in Army pay and not shown in the Estimates volume. Therefore, the increase is one of £710,661 rather than £742,661.
The major portion of the Estimate is accounted for by the provisions for the pay, allowances and maintenance of na Buan-Óglaigh. These provisions are spread over a number of subheads and total, in round figures, almost £4,700,000 or about 63% of the net Estimate. As in previous years, the Estimate, in relation to Na Buan-Óglaigh, is framed on the basis of the full peace establishment of 1,325 officers and 11,561 men, deductions being then made in respect of the numbers by which the actual strength during the year is likely to be below the establishment. In effect, the Estimate caters for a net average strength of 1,152 officers, 79 cadets and 8,250 men of all Corps and Services.
It is proposed to maintain an average strength of 8,250 men during 1960/61—an increase of 250 on the average strength for which the Vote for 1959/60 provided. Even with the increased numbers na Buan-Óglaigh will be fully taxed to carry out the increased duties in connection with An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, coupled with the demands of training and normal military administration. The cost of the 250 men, spread over the Estimate, is £72,260.
As from the 15th December last, increased rates of pay and allowances have come into operation for Óglaigh na hÉireann. These, together with the increases for the Civil Service staff of the Department and civilians employed with the Forces, account for approximately £440,000 or almost 60% of the net increase in the Estimate. The increases are shown or embodied in Subhead A—Pay; Subhead B—Marriage Allowance ; Subhead C—Pay of Civilians attached to Units ; Subhead E—Pay of Officers of the Medical Corps, etc.; Subhead K—Provisions and Allowances in lieu ; Subhead P.2— Pay of An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh ; Subhead S.1—Pay of Crews of Transport Vessels ; Subhead Y—Departmental Salaries, etc., and Subhead Y.2—An Cúltaca. The increases of £20,730 in Subhead M—Clothing and Equipment, and £3,471 in Subhead W—Insurance, are due mainly to the proposed increased strength.
During the last year, the standard of morale, conduct, deportment and discipline continued to be satisfactory in all branches of Óglaigh na hÉireann. Recruitment was also satisfactory and enabled the average strength of 8,000 men for which the Vote for 1959/60 provided to be maintained. There were further intakes of recruits for the various apprentice and direct entrant schemes, and a number of men were also recently recruited for training as surveyors in the Complacht Suirbhéireachta, An Cór Innealtóirí. As regards An Cúltaca, there were slight increases in the strength of An Cúltacha Oifigeach (An Chéad Líne) and the effective strengths of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí. The effective strength of An Cúltacha Fear (An Chéad Líne) shows a decrease. The strength of that component at any particular time depends largely, of course, on the number of transfers from the Permanent Force.
Two officers are still serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation—one as Chairman of the Egyptian-Israeli Mixed Armistice Commission at Gaza and the other holding an appointment with the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission in Jerusalem. The fifty officers who served in the Lebanon have been awarded the United Nations Medal, and the medals were presented to them recently.
On 1st October last, the scheme for the complete integration of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil with Na Buan-Óglaigh became operative. The broad purpose of the scheme is, as Deputies are aware, to provide, in peacetime, an organisation for Óglaigh na hÉireann which will enable it to put into the field, on mobilisation, a greater and more suitable force than could hitherto have been achieved. Three new brigades and some other field units have been formed as a result of integration. The importance of this new concept lies in the fact that, in the event of a world conflict, little or no time may be available to organise and train after the outbreak of hostilities.
This scheme is a radical departure from that which existed previously. A new rôle has been given to the FCA, that of providing the bulk of the personnel for the combat units. Many new combat units have been organised within the various corps which must now be trained and fitted to take their place with the newly-formed brigades and, in some cases, with the brigades which already existed. In the main, the effect upon the FCA is that they are now required to become efficient in the handling of many new weapons. All ranks of the FCA will be required to become proficient in the tactics and techniques of their new units so that the teamwork, so vital in the modern battle, may be steadily built up. The development of the FCA over the years renders the force quite capable of undertaking its new and important task.
Many more officers and men of Na Buan-Óglaigh have been allotted to the task of training the new FCA units. The increase of £15,848 in Subhead G —Subsistence and other Allowances— is due mainly, and that of £14,164 in Subhead H—Transport of Troops—is due partly to this factor. New training devices and methods have been studied and tested to ensure that the FCA training periods are most profitably used. This has been achieved without any increase in the establishment strength of Na Buan-Óglaigh.
The integration scheme became effective during the quieter period of FCA training. The past months have largely been spent upon the setting up of the new units and the introduction of the personnel to the new weapons. All indications point to the success of the scheme and it is confidently expected that a firm basis to provide an efficient combat organisation has been laid. As a result of the integration, 102 Captaein of the FCA have been promoted to the rank of Ceannfort. This is the first time on which officers of An Fórsa have attained senior rank.
I may mention that, arising out of the integration, the question of the introduction of a standard uniform of new design for both branches of Óglaigh na hÉireann is being examined at present. I cannot say at this stage, however, what the outcome of this will be as, among other things, increased costs and the utilisation of existing stocks will be important considerations.
In order that An tAer Chór may carry out its commitments for the advanced training of cadets and pilot officer personnel, it is necessary to provide for the purchase of suitable aircraft to replace the "Spitfire" machines which have reached the end of their service life. In fact, were it not for the very high standard of maintenance in the Corps, these aircraft would long since have been unserviceable. With the disappearance of the Spitfires imminent, the only aircraft available for advanced training are the three Vampire jets and these are quite inadequate for the number of personnel in training. In seeking to provide new aircraft to replace the Spitfires, we have to face the fact that, in this jet age, suitable advanced trainers of the non-jet or piston type are no longer available for purchase. Indeed, even for elementary training, some countries have developed and are going over to jet aircraft.
A fundamental feature of An tAer Chór organisation is the Scheme of Short Service Commissions which has as one of its principal objects the production of pilots to fill vacancies in Aer Lingus. There is as yet no other national source from which such pilots can be provided and consequently the continued and effective operation of this scheme is essential. Some idea of its importance may be gained from the fact that in 1959/60 alone, 16 pilots from An tAer Chór were released to take up service with Aer Lingus. Altogether since 1952, some 36 pilots have been released to fill vacancies with that company.
In the circumstances, the purchase of three further Vampire jet aircraft is proposed. The provision is made in Subhead O—General Stores—and accounts for £147,000 of the increase of £169,470 in that subhead, the remainder being attributable to the necessity to purchase signal and other badly-needed equipment and tools.
It may not be amiss to mention that, in addition to its air training and other military duties. An tAer Chór provides valuable services to other Departments of State. In the * field of photography, it has cooperated during the year with An Roinn Talmhaíochta, An Roinn Tailte and An Roinn Poist agus Telegrafa, Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí and An tSuirbhéireacht Geolaíochta in the taking and provision of large numbers of aerial photographs—actually about 4,000—required for the study and advancement of various important projects. An Chór is also on regular call to assist An Roinn Iompair agus Cumhachta in the testing of air navigational aid equipment at Shannon and Collinstown Airports, including the exercising of the civil radar operator personnel at these places.
An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh continued to carry out fishery protection duties throughout the year. The introduction, from 1st January last, of new base lines authorised under the Maritime Jurisdiction Act has greatly increased the area of sea, or waters, for which protection has to be provided. This, of course, means increased responsibility and duty for An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh. L.E. Maev has recently had a major refit completed and there are now three corvettes fully serviceable.
During the active herring fishery period off the south-east coast at the beginning of this year two corvettes were available and in constant surveillance of the critical area.
It has been decided that, commencing on 1st April, An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh will take over responsibility for the receipt and dissemination of marine distress messages and co-ordination of consequential rescue measures. This service has hitherto been the responsibility of An Roinn Iompair agus Cumhachta. Arrangements are being completed for the necessary co-ordination with An Roinn Poist agus Telegrafa, the Garda Síochána and other agencies concerned.
It was decided some two years ago that in future all cadets entering An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh should receive their entire cadet training in this country. Up to that time, it had been necessary to send cadets for their initial training to British naval establishments. With the increasing efficiency of the service and the consolidation of experience of the officers derived from training and courses, both at home and abroad, it was considered that the time had come when this should be no longer necessary. A scheme of training has been evolved which provides that naval cadets undergo their first year's training at An Coláiste Míleata along with first year Army cadets and take their second year's training at the Naval School, Haulbowline. This desirable development is now in operation and An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh commenced training its first batch of four cadets at Haulbowline on 1st February last.
An Slua Muirí, like An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, continues enthusiastically to maintain its strength and perfect its training.
As Deputies will see, Subhead P— Defensive Equipment—shows an increase of £96,520. Of this, £19,522 is to meet an increase in carry-over, i.e. stores ordered but not paid for before 31st March, 1960, due to protracted deliveries. The principal and only new item in this subhead is a provision of £50,000 in respect of the purchase of a quantity of a new medium range anti-tank weapon and ammunition of a type which we have not had previously. The quantity being purchased will be sufficient to meet immediate training needs but does not provide for the eventual requirements of Óglaigh na hÉireann. The balance of the increase in the subhead—approximately £27,000—is required generally to defray the cost of increased purchases of weapons and ammunitions which have been kept extremely low in the past couple of years.
During the financial year 1959/60, a new gymnasium at the Curragh was completed and opened, a new dining hall and cookhouse at Athlone was all but completed and work was commenced on the erection of 24 new married quarters for soldiers in Cork. The new Catholic Church at the Curragh, erected by the Commissioners of Public Works, has been completed and a new dining hall and cookhouse, also being erected at Dún Phluincéid, by the Commissioners, should be ready for occupation this year.
Attention also continues to be given to the improvement, in other ways, of amenities for soldiers living in barracks, and this accounts to a large extent for the increase of £10,780 in Subhead R and £13,955 in Subhead V. The provision of all these amenities is bound to have beneficial effects, and there is no doubt that the benefit of the good housing already provided in Dublin, the Curragh and Athlone is reflected in the well-being of the occupants.
Out of a total of 1,599 employees provided for under Subhead C, 988 will be employed with An Cór Innealtoirí mainly on the care and maintenance of existing military establishments and barracks and on the execution of new works on military property. This represents a slight increase in the figure for 1959/60. The balance of 611 employees are tradesmen, labourers, storemen, clerks, typists, etc., employed with various Corps. There is a reduction in the number provided for An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh, due to completion of the major refits of the corvettes.
It is proposed that this year Fuireann Mharchaíochta an Airm will undertake a normal Continental, American and home programme and provision is made, therefore, in Subhead A.2— Expenses of Equitation Teams at Horse Shows—for expenditure of £10,000, an increase of £7,500.
During the past few years, a great deal of attention has been devoted to the improvement of Fuireann Mharchaíochta an Airm. The difficulties of producing a good team under modern conditions are very considerable, and efforts in this direction call for patience and perseverance. I am satisfied that progress is being made and that we have now a nucleus of some very good horses and riders who, with reasonable luck, should make a name for themselves in the coming years. The team is at present on tour in France and results so far have been encouraging.
Thanks to the increased provision made last year for the purchase of horses, the Horse Purchase Board was enabled to buy six animals at prices ranging from £500 to £1,500. Nearly all these, however, were young animals needing prolonged training and it will take a few years to develope their full capabilities as international show jumpers. A few top-class proven jumpers would be a great asset to An Scoil Eachaíochta at this juncture, but the prospect of getting them appears to be remote. We shall very likely have to take our chances with young animals and, by a process of trial and elimination, try to build up a team of really good jumpers, but the Horse Purchase Board will continue to look out for any suitable proven jumpers which would be ready for immediate international competition.
Last year, with a view to augmenting the number of available riders and to provide for succession, four cadetship vacancies were specially reserved for applicants with some equitation experience. It is regrettable that no suitable candidates presented themselves. It is hoped to repeat the offer this year. These openings should prove attractive to youths who are interested in hunting or show jumping as sport or recreation. They offer a career as well as an opportunity of gaining international distiction for themselves, for the Army and for the country.
There is a decrease of £10,935 under Subhead P.1—Civil Defence. Reduced provision is made for uniforms as certain stocks are held by my Department in anticipation of purchase by the local authorities for issue to Civil Defence personnel. These stocks, together with the reduced quantities now provided for, will meet estimated requirements for the coming year. Otherwise, increased provision is made for equipment and stores generally. The major items include additional radiac instruments for the training of Civil Defence personnel throughout the country in the detection and measurement of radio-active fallout; some up-to-date fire engines for the training of Auxiliary Fire Service personnel, and ambulances for the training of Casualty Service personnel of the Civil Defence Organisation.
While Civil Defence recruiting falls very much short of requirements, it is nevertheless encouraging to find that according to local authority returns, there was an increase in the last year of about 1,000 in the numbers who have joined Civil Defence. The total number of Volunteers is now in the region of 4,800. In general, the local authorities recognise the need for more volunteers and are doing their best to get them. My Department is likewise doing its part in having available the uniforms and equipment for many additional volunteers.
One of the gratifying features which is now becoming apparent in relation to the Civil Defence organisation is that those who have joined are building up a useful nucleus in many towns throughout the country. Some of these groups are engaging in exercises and week-end camps and some counties are combining to carry out joint exercises. This is a heartening development and it shows, I believe, that the organisation is now taking root and that we have a good foundation on which to build.
I should also mention that progress is being made with the overall Civil Defence planning for the State. For instance, within the next few months it is hoped that each local authority will have decided upon the territorial sub-divisions of the county borough or county for the purpose of an overall Civil Defence control in its functional area. This phase in planning will greatly facilitate the development of the pattern of the organisation within each county borough and county. In addition there are many other aspects of planning now being studied, including such matters as communications, warning, shelter policy and evacuation.
This work is aimed at providing solutions for a variety of the problems that would arise should this country suffer from the effects of war. Indeed one of the most important factors of Civil Defence planning is that, should a crisis come on us, we shall have at least worked out the manner in which we can best provide ways and means of mitigating the effects on the people generally.
Before passing from Civil Defence, I should perhaps say that every encouragement and assistance that I and my Department can give to local authorities in the carrying out of their statutory obligations will as hitherto be most readily forthcoming.
These obligations arise under the Air Raid Precautions Acts, which impose on local authorities the duty of preparing and carrying out, as regards their own functional areas, schemes for the protection of persons and property from injury or damage in the event of attack from the air and for the minimising of such injury or damage. As I have already indicated, most of the local authorities recognise their statutory responsibilities in this regard and are co-operating fully with my Department in endeavouring to organise efficient Civil Defence measures. Unfortunately, I am aware, however, from recent press reports that, in a couple of instances, the local authority has refused to make either any or adequate provision in its estimates for Civil Defence for the coming year. According to these reports, certain views have been expressed as to why the local authority should not be called upon to bear any part of the Civil Defence.
For example, it has been stated that the Army should do this work. Such an attitude reveals a complete lack of appreciation of the nature of Civil Defence, which is essentially the organisation and training of the individual citizens so that they may protect themselves, their families and their neighbours from the hazards of nuclear warfare. If such a war comes, the emphasis will be on survival, and unless the people take the necessary steps to protect themselves, particularly in relation to radio-active fallout, survival will not be possible. The Army could not possibly carry out all the functions visualised by Civil Defence.
Many of these functions are similar or analogous to services normally provided by the local authorities even in peace time, such as hospitalising the sick and injured, fire-fighting, re-housing those in need, assisting the destitute—all life and property saving functions performed as part of the normal day-to-day work of the local authorities, which in the event of war would need to be greatly expanded. The Army obviously could not carry out these duties. In any event, the primary function of the Army is active military defence and it is organised and trained towards that end. In the event of war, it would have to be greatly expanded to fulfil its primary role and could not undertake direct responsibility for Civil Defence.
Should it happen that the Army is not otherwise committed in the event of attack from the air, it could and would, of course, render all possible assistance to Civil Defence. But even if we could be sure the Army would be available for this purpose, the necessity for Civil Defence would still remain, particularly as far as the warden, firefighting, casualty and welfare services are concerned.
While I thought it well to refute this particular contention that the Army could or should be solely responsible for Civil Defence, the main fact remains that, whatever views individual members of local authorities may hold and however sincerely those views may be expressed, they do not alter the existing law in the matter. Actions such as those to which I have referred can result not only in a very adverse effect on the slow but steady efforts which are being made to build up the minimum nucleus of a Civil Defence organisation, but are also most discouraging to the volunteers who are prepared to sacrifice their spare time for Civil Defence training. It would indeed have an undesirable effect on efficiency and morale if the impression were to be created that the bodies responsible for this service were not sympathetically disposed towards Civil Defence. While, therefore, I am confidently expecting the continued effective co-operation of local authorities in this matter, I may have to consider what action may be necessary in cases where the statutory obligations are not being fulfilled.
The amount provided in subhead X3 as a grant-in-aid of Cumann Croise Deirge na hÉireann at £15,450 represents a reduction of £2,500 as compared with last year's provision. The grant-in-aid required each year depends upon An Cumann's anticipated activities and the amount which it expects to raise itself. The figure of £15,450 in this year's estimates includes a sum of £10,000 in respect of the normal day-to-day activities of An Cumann, a sum of £5,000 in respect of the maintenance of the group of White Russian refugees from North China—there are at present 18 being looked after by An Cumann in the premises "Naomh Aindrias," Rathmines—and £450 in respect of the State contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
An Cumann continues its commendable activities in the field of humanitarian relief. It undertook the appeal for subscriptions in aid of World Refugees, and a grant was recently made for the relief of distress following the Moroccan earthquake disaster.
I think I have covered all the main provisions of the Estimate and, when concluding the debate, shall be glad to supply any further information required.
