asked the Minister for Defence if he proposes to allow the 14 day annual training for the FCA during the year 1985; if he agrees that the morale of the force will suffer if seven days annual training were to be continued; if he agrees that the standard of training will also suffer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Training.
8.
It has been decided that FCA annual training for 1985 will be of the same duration as obtains this year.
I am satisfied that an acceptable standard of training is being maintained and that the morale of the force has not suffered.
I might add that the Government have decided that, notwithstanding the reduced period of annual training, the gratuity payable to qualified members who complete the maximum permissible period of training will be at the full rates and not at the reduced rates which would normally apply in respect of attendance for training for the shorter period.
Has the Minister any proposal to expand the FCA?
In terms of numbers?
Yes, and the involvement of people.
That is a separate quesiton.
Recruitment to the FCA is taking place to fill vacancies caused by wastage but there are no plans to increase the numbers in the FCA. The total numbers are adequate for the purpose of the FCA as a reserve defence force. When the financial position improves we might be able to have general recruitment. At present there are vacancies and those who want to join may do so.
Would the Minister agree that due to the high unemployment rate there are fine physical types available and that the FCA would be a major outlet for them to have some discipline in their lives?
That is a separate question.
It is relevant.
It is clearly a separate question.
Do FCA personnel, men and officers, participate in full time security duties?
Yes, some do.
Are the men who so participate those who were appointed some years ago or are an increasing number of personnel utilised in this way due to the lack of recruitment in the Defence Forces and pressures on serving men due to dropping numbers in recent years?
There has been no increase in the number of FCA men on full time service.
Is there a departmental prohibition on FCA personnel participating in full time security duties?
There is no need for them. The factors which caused them to be involved in full time security duties some years ago do not now apply.