Dermot Ahern
Ceist:15 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has regarding the setting up of an An Slua Muirí unit in Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21542/96]
Other Questions. - Reserve Defence Force.
The first phase of the Government's plan for the reorganisation and restructuring of the Defence Forces is taking place. An implementation plan, covering the years 1996 to 1998, was prepared on foot of recommendations made by the efficiency audit group which undertook a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. As part of the implementation process a review of the reserve Defence Force, which consists of the FCA and An Slua Muirí, will commence in 1997. Some preliminary work in connection with this review has already taken place.
The review of the reserve Defence Force will be comprehensive and will recommend the future organisation and structure of the reserve. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the circumstances, reorganisation or expansion of An Slua Muirí must await the outcome of that review.
In view of the grave uncertainty in the FCA and An Slua Muirí and its tradition of serving communities throughout the country, will the Minister allow them to develop or has he accepted the original Price Waterhouse review to halve those organisations? Can he not allow them to develop naturally?
I have no intention of allowing either of those organisations to be interfered with to any great extent. I acknowledge the voluntary work carried out by members of the FCA and An Slua Muirí. Their work is of great benefit to the country and to the members of those organisations. It would be a foolish Government that would do anything other than encourage our reserve forces.
My proposals will not prevent the expansion of either organisation. They form part of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces. We must deal with the Permanent Defence Force initially and then ascertain how to revitalise the FCA and An Slua Muirí. I will do everything possible to promote both those organisations.
Is it not contradictory to advocate the expansion of An Slua Muirí and the FCA while at the same time proposing to restrict their development?
No. I do not find it contradictory. The reality is that if one is to have the FCA and Slua Muirí, one must have the support back-up for both organisations and, because of the current review, that back-up may have to alter. It is only for that reason there would be any delay in setting up a new organisation.
I am always prepared to listen to reason. If Deputy Dermot Ahern, who tabled this question, has some ideas, I would be delighted to have them examined in detail and come back to him because I respect the great work done by both organisations.
If I heard the Minister correctly, he is showing that there is some light. He may relent in excluding the possibility of setting up a Slua Muirí unit in Dundalk, County Louth, quite apart from the overall review of which he spoke. Will the Minister accept that this overall review has been taking place for some considerable time; that there are people in the area willing to give their time to this unit if it is set up and that this proposal has been around for some time?
If we set up a new Slua Muirí company, it will be necessary to assign a number of naval service personnel to it on a full-time basis. However, I will examine the matter and I will report back to the Deputy. I must also be conscious of requests from other parts of the country so the Deputy will appreciate that the whole matter must be examined together.