asked the Minister for Defence the numbers of recruits into the regular Army who have had service with the FCA for the years ended December 1982 to 1985, inclusive; if he will agree that preference should be given to men who perform service on a voluntary basis with the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - FCA and Army Recruitment.
88.
The figures requested are as follows: 1982, 122; 1983, 164; 1984, 162; 1985, 349. Enlistment to the Permanent Defence Force is open to all those who are qualified in accordance with Defence Force regulations. Service in the FCA is taken into account in assessing an applicant's suitability for service in the Permanent Defence Force.
89.
asked the Minister for Defence the reasons his Department will not allow for units of the FCA to commence recruiting between the period from annual training camp and 31 December each year; if he is aware that this policy restricts units regarding their grant-in-aid and also their yearly training programme leading up to their next annual camp which is now restricted to one week's training; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Whilst recruitment to the FCA tends to increase during the period leading up to annual training camp each year, recruitment to replace wastage is permitted on a continuing basis. In the case of the annual grant to unit funds allowance is made for the current restriction on strengths. Notwithstanding the restrictions, including the reduced annual training period, I am satisfied that the strength of the FCA is at a satisfactory level and that an acceptable level of training is being maintained.