asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the present position regarding the FCA in the Army in view of the reduction of finances to the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Position of FCA.
9.
Financial support for the FCA is being continued at the same level as has obtained over the past four years. Strengths are being maintained and training and other activities are proceeding at a satisfactory level.
The Minister of State will agree that the members of the FCA do an excellent job in the Army but they are anxious about their future because of the cutbacks. Probably that anxiety arises from rumours which circulate. They would like confirmation that their future is secure particularly in the Border area where they are playing an excellent role in helping the Garda in a very difficult job. An assurance from the Minister of State that their future is secure in the Army would be more than welcome, and they deserve that.
Recruitment to the FCA since 1983 has been permitted to the extent necessary to replace wastage. The same conditions will apply in 1987. Vacancies are being filled from waiting lists of applicants and anyone wishing to join the FCA can go to the nearest military barracks in his local area and ask to be placed on the waiting list. Certainly I assure the Deputy the situation I have mentioned will continue.
Has there not been a fairly drastic cutback in the training allowances for the FCA vis-à-vis the camps? From the reply of the Minister of State one could take it there has been no cutback in that subhead, but I understand that there has been a severe, drastic cutback.
Will the Deputy repeat his question, please?
It is in regard to training of FCA members in summer camp.
Annual training in 1987 for members of the FCA and Slua Muirí will be the same as that which has applied since 1983, seven days. The normal training period is 14 days.
And it is cut.
The reduction in annual training since 1983 has been necessary as part of the continuing programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure. While the reduced period of annual training is obviously not as beneficial as the full training period, a satisfactory standard of training is being maintained. The position in relation to annual training of the Reserve will be kept under review with the object of restoring the normal situation as soon as circumstances allow. I repeat that the training for 1987 will be on the same lines as that which has applied since 1983.