asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that there will be no cut-back on recruitment to the FCA and that those on the waiting list will be enlisted immediately.
261.
Written Answers. - FCA Recruitment.
260.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the deep concern being expressed by members of the FCA at the restriction in recruitment and that if this were to continue the whole future of the Force would be in jeopardy; and as it is an essential democratic link between the Permanent Defence Forces and the civilian population, if he will make a statement on the matter.
262.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is concerned at the serious drop in the number of active FCA personnel; and, if so, the action he now proposes to take to arrest the decline and restore morale.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 261 and 262 together.
Recruitment to the FCA has been suspended temporarily. The decision to suspend recruitment to An Fórsa was a very difficult one but was necessary as part of the Government's programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure.
I appreciate that there may be concern among members of the FCA on account of the current restrictions and I would be anxious that normal recruitment should be resumed immediately resources permit. The position in that regard is being kept under review.