Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 7

Written Answers. - Future of the FCA.

Mary Harney

Ceist:

38 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Defence the Government's intentions regarding the FCA in view of the value of this force, which for over 50 years has provided a most valuable defence resource in all parts of the Republic. [19909/96]

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

48 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the Government's intentions regarding the FCA in view of the value of this force, which for over 50 years has provided a most valuable defence resource in all parts of the Republic. [19907/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 48 together.

I stress the importance of the FCA to the structure and organisation of the Defence Forces and the esteem in which it is held by the Government.

The FCA is a voluntary organisation. The commitment and dedication of its members cannot be commended too highly. The contribution of FCA personnel to the community is considerable and is recognised and valued throughout the country.

I mentioned in the House before that as part of the restructuring and reorganisation process a special study of the Reserve Forces, including the FCA and An Slua Muirí, will be conducted. I expect that this study will commence in mid-1997.

Currently there is a consultative process in train which, it is expected, will elicit the views of serving members of the FCA on the future development of the organisation. The representative bodies are also involved in this process.