Vol. 399 No. 11
8 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that FCA training in the Eastern Command has virtually ground to a halt because of the non-replacement of station wagon transport formerly assigned to each FCA sub-unit.
A programme for the modernisation of the Defence Forces transport fleet commenced in 1988. The programme is based on the disposal of obsolete and unserviceable vehicles and their replacement on a phased basis by new vehicles. I am satisfied that the replacement programme will improve the overall operational efficiency of the Defence Forces transport fleet.
I can assure the Deputy that FCA training in the Eastern Command has not been halted. I am, however, having the question of the current serviceability of vehicles assigned to the FCA examined and I will communicate further with the Deputy in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that there are now only three station wagons available for the entire FCA in the Eastern Command area from Dundalk in the North to Arklow in the South with 26 sub-units? For the arms to be transported for use in training and for transport to the Permanent Defence Force personnel associated with these, the only transport now available are three station wagons where previously there were 26. No new vehicles are being assigned to the FCA this year and all the new vehicles purchased are going to the Permanent Defence Force. Arising out of that there is total frustration among the FCA and I have absolute knowledge that training — no matter what the Minister tells me — has been virtually abandoned except for the occasional goodwill in relation to Army trucks on a Sunday.
I will investigate that matter further. I would be disturbed if the facts are as outlined by the Deputy. I am taking them at their face value. If the redeployment of vehicles to the FCA within the Eastern Command is as necessary as the Deputy alleges certainly I will see to it that that is done. The overall command has got a substantial allocation from the vehicles now available in connection with the modernisation programme we have initiated. I agree with the Deputy that the FCA in the Eastern Command area should get their share of the allocation that is available to the overall command. I will investigate that issue and communicate with the Deputy.
It is very serious.
We now proceed to other questions.
