asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to supply combat uniforms to members of the FCA; and if so, when.
Written Answers. - Supply of Combat Uniforms.
75.
The question of issuing combat uniforms to certain members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil who are employed on full time security duties is under consideration in my Department.
76.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange for the early supply of new uniforms to members of the FCA; and if he will explain the cause of the delay to date.
An initial issue of other ranks' new pattern uniform has been made to a number of senior non-commissioned officers and sergeants of the FCA who had become entitled to a replacement uniform. It is proposed from now on to issue all other ranks personnel with the new pattern uniform provided they are entitled to a fresh issue of uniform and that no suitable sizes in the existing uniform are available.
Approval has been given for the wearing of the officers' new pattern uniform and allowances are paid to cover the cost of the uniform. The provision of the uniform is a matter for each individual officer.
There has been no undue delay in the issue of new pattern uniform. It is normal when approval is given for the introduction of a new pattern uniform that, where possible, existing items of uniform be issued before new items are issued.