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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - FCA Training.

I wish to share my time with Deputy Gerry O'Sullivan.

Is that satisfactory? Agreed.

I have raised on a number of occasions with successive Ministers the need to reintroduce the two-week annual training camp for members of the FCA, which was withdrawn in 1983. Apart from a sympathetic hearing from the Minister, I have been unsuccessful in achieving my objective due to financial constraints. This sympathy sounds very hollow when one realises that approximately 50 per cent of FCA members are being denied the opportunity to attend the annual training camp. This scandalous position must be addressed and rectified as a matter of urgency before it affects the morale of the force.

There are approximately 15,000 members in the FCA. These young men and women have given great service to this country. At a time when many of us are enjoying ourselves, they sacrifice their leisure time to provide this service. They train in all types of weather both during the week and at weekends in the interests of this country. In recent years there has been a dangerous and spiralling drift downwards in the number of members permitted to attend annual training. If this is continued only enough hours will be available for officers and NCOs to attend summer training camps. This is a scandal.

The current Estimate for the Department of Defence only provides funding for 9,000 members of the FCA to attend camp for one week's training. Not all of these weeks are allocated to annual summer camps. Given the current strength of the force, it is obvious that all eligible to attend the annual summer camp will not be able to do so. This means that approximately 8,000 to 9,000 members of the FCA and Slua Muirí will not be permitted to go to camp. Some infantry companies in the Eastern and Southern Command, with an establishment of more than 180, will only be permitted to send 45 members from all ranks to camp. I believe the same is true for the Western and Curragh Commands.

I am sure the Minister will agree it is unfortunate, to put it mildly, that these young men and women in over 120 centres, for example, Swords, Cavan, Limerick and Dublin, are being told at this later stage in the year that they cannot go to camp as there is not enough money to pay them. Many units encourage recruits to join the FCA early in the year. These recruits are now effectively being told they can go wherever they like but they cannot attend summer camp. This is having a drastic effect on the morale of the force. I hope the Minister will address this problem.

The annual gratuity paid to members of the FCA is based on attendance at annual training camps. This is an incentive for recruits, particularly those who are unemployed. Members who parade throughout the year and who are not committed to attend the annual summer training camp will not receive their gratuity, which will remain static for a number of years. These issues must be addressed by the Minister.

I wish to voice my concern at the drastic reduction in training for FCA personnel. During the debate on the Estimate for the Department of Defence, Members on all sides of the House noted the loyal and dedicated service given by members of the FCA to this country. I paid tribute to the voluntary organisation for the work they do. It is only right that their contribution should be acknowledged on the record of this House.

We should not destroy the morale of this voluntary group who over the years have proven their ability to act as a back-up service to the regular Army. The Minister should give a positive response to this voluntary group who have given up their leisure time and holidays to give service to this country. The least that should be done is that the commitments given to them when they were recruited should be honoured.

I should say at the outset that I do not accept there is a crisis in the FCA in regard to annual training. The level of training for members of the FCA and Slua Muirí will be the same this year as it has been each year since 1983 — I do not have to tell the House who was in power in 1983 — when it was found necessary as part of the Government's programme for achieving reductions in the levels of public expenditure to curtail annual training for members of the Reserve. Accordingly, the annual training period for members of the FCA and Slua Muirí has been reduced to seven days per year. However, provision is also made for a certain number of personnel to attend courses of instruction of up to 14 days duration.

In the selection of personnel for annual training priority is given to those with the longest service and good attendance at local parades, etc. Every effort is made to facilitate those wishing to attend for annual training but, unfortunately, not all personnel can be accommodated, particularly during their first year of service. Approximately 9,000 personnel undergo annual training each year. In addition, some members also perform security duties at various military installations. Due to business or other commitments many members of the FCA and Slua Muirí are not available for attendance at annual training, but the military authority have indicated that the vast majority of those wishing to attend for annual training are facilitated.

It is important to mention that apart from annual training members of the FCA and Slua Muirí undergo a considerable amount of local training, for example, weekly training parades, field days and overnight camps. These activities will continue to operate this year at the same level as in previous years. Resources available within the limits of current financial constraints are used to the best advantage to achieve a reasonable balance of expenditure in the supply of new equipment, uniforms, continuation of training, etc. A gratuity is issued to all members of the FCA and Slua Muirí who complete a course of annual training or other full-time courses of instruction. In addition, they are paid at the same rates of pay as apply to corresponding ranks in the Permanent Defence Forces.

Notwithstanding the reduced period of annual training, which has been applied in the case of the FCA and Slua Muirí since 1983, the gratuity payable to qualified personnel who complete the maximum permissible period of training is at the full rate and not at the reduced rate which would normally apply in respect of attendance for a shorter period. The same arrangements apply this year. The current cost of annual training is estimated at over £2 million and the estimated additional cost of restoring the normal annual training arrangements is approximately £2 million.

The position in relation to annual training to kept under review with the objective of restoring the normal situation as soon as circumstances allow. The fact that annual training has been reduced does not reflect a lack of appreciation of the voluntary efforts made by members and the contribution made by them in their regular attendance at local training. The FCA and Slua Muirí provide a valuable contribution to the overall effectiveness of the Defence Forces and every effort is made to provide them with the best equipment and facilities possible within available resources. I should like to endorse the tribute paid by both Deputies to the FCA. I wish to express the Government's appreciation for the work of the members of the FCA and Slua Muirí who give such a fine example of good citizenship to the youth of the country on an entirely voluntary basis.

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