Michael Ferris
Ceist:5 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline his recruitment policy for the FCA; and the number of women he proposes to recruit this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Recruitment.
Recruitment takes place on an annual basis to all units of the FCA up to the permitted maximum strength levels. Recruitment is maintained throughout the year as required, to offset wastage.
It is planned to recruit 200 women to the FCA in 1992.
I very much welcome the recruitment of 200 women into the FCA. In view of the conditions in the barracks throughout the country what additional resources are being made available to provide for facilities to meet the requirements of women recruited into the FCA?
Women will be eligible to fill a wide range of appointments in the FCA subject to the same restrictions which apply to the Permanent Defence Force, whereby women do not serve in appointments which may require them to take part in direct operational duties under arms. In practice this means women will be mainly employed in service corps units, including Signals, Supply and Transport, Military Police and the Medical Corps. I can certainly say that the necessary arrangements will be in place in good time to suit the recruitment of women.
In view of the fact this is the first time that women are coming into this area of Army work, does the Minister envisage that any special measures will be put in place to ensure, for instance, that communication between the existing Army officers and the women coming in will be good?
I would like to remind the Minister that women coming into a non-traditional area of work for the first time will require, as in other areas, a high degree of sensitivity and understanding. Will the Minister bear in mind that the women who will be recruited will not stay if they find that the necessary procedures are not in place to ensure that their transition is made a happy one?
Perhaps we are converging on the Deputy's own question, No. 6.
I am sorry, a Cheann Comhairle, this is a different question.
It is very closely related to it.
The women in the Permanent Defence Force are extremely excellent in every respect. The working relationship between them and their male counterparts is first class.
It is a pity you do not give them decent jobs.
There has not been any problems or difficulties. I am delighted that this will be the first time women will be recruited into the FCA. It is a very progressive step and every measure will be taken to ensure that it is highly successful.
Will the Minister reflect on his opinion that conditions for women in the Defence Forces are excellent? Would he not agree that because of the menial type of jobs they are given as recruits they are very much second class citizens and are treated as such?
That is an insult to women in the Permanent Defence Force.
It is a slight on Government policy to place them in menial jobs and give them no opportunity to operate on an equal basis. They look after the cook house.
I join with the Minister in welcoming the recruitment of women into the FCA. Is the Minister aware that officers in command of local units of the FCA have refused women entry into the FCA because of the appalling conditions and lack of facilities in the local FCA headquarters? Quite a number of young women who have applied have been turned down. In fact, some were asked to get in contact with the Minister on this matter. The existing facilities of the FCA are appalling and there are no facilities for women. Where is the consistency in the approach if the Minister is not prepared to provide the necessary facilities?
We are having constant expansion on the subject matter of this question.
It is very relevant.
The Chair decides that.
The Minister has told us that 200 women will be recruited, but the reality on the ground is that women are being refused because of the appalling condition of the local FCA headquarters.
Recruitment will commence in April next and there will be no difficulties in that regard.