Bernard Allen
Ceist:200 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason FCA officers are not permitted to purchase Irish Army combat uniforms through proper channels, when they have long been permitted to purchase dress uniforms.
Written Answers. - FCA Uniforms.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:201 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if it is the policy of his Department not to issue recruits to the FCA with all elements of working dress at the time of joining, when some have to wait up to one year to get a pullover or if this is some local policy within specific commands; and if the latter, if he will outline his proposals to rectify this matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
Defence Force regulations provide that personnel enlisting in An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil will be issued with a working dress tunic and trousers together with a sweater, shirts, boots, cap and other accessories and that on completion of 12 months' service members will be further allocated a greatcoat, tunic and trousers. I am advised by the military authorities that they are not aware of any undue delay in the issue of these items. Provision is made for the issue of protective clothing to FCA personnel in certain circumstances.
The question of the issue of combat uniforms to members of the FCA has been examined on a number of occasions in the context of the military duties which they are required to undertake from time to time. However, it was decided not to issue combat uniforms to the FCÁ as the incidence of military duties for which such uniforms would be appropriate was not regarded as sufficient to warrant the substantial cost involved in their issue.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:202 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence his views on the fact that FCA officers, on being commissioned, have to subsidise the purchase of uniform by up to £70.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:203 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason the initial uniform allowance for FCA officers is £151 and £225 for An Slua Muirí while the annual replacement allowance is £30 for the FCA and £60 for an Slua Muirí.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.
Defence Force regulations provide for the payment to officers of An Fórsa Costanta Aitiúil and An Slua Muirí of allowances towards the cost of providing themselves with certain articles of officers' pattern uniform.
The rates of uniform allowances take account of the different scales of items of uniform prescribed for the FCA and for An Slua Muirí. The rates are at present under under review.