Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1982

Vol. 337 No. 2

Written Answers. - FCA Strength.

503.

asked the Minister for Defence the reasons the strength figures for lieutenants and captains attached to the FCA was 10 per cent and 50 per cent respectively on 31 January 1982; whether any corps of the PDF has less than 55 per cent officer strength as a percentage of establishment; and whether the number of lieutenants and captains attached to FCA units will increase in 1982.

It has been the policy of successive Ministers for Defence to provide adequate training facilities for the FCA. However, because of the current requirements to give priority to operational units of the Permanent Defence Force the number of junior officers made available for duty with the FCA falls short of what I would wish. Every effort is being made to increase these numbers within the resources available.

I should point out that in addition to the junior officers a considerable number of senior officers and non-commissioned personnel are employed with FCA Units. It must also be borne in mind that the FCA itself has a substantial number of experienced officers and non-commissioned officers.

The strength of officers in the Medical Corps is less than 55 per cent of Establishment.

Barr
Roinn