Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Feb 1999

Vol. 501 No. 2

Written Answers. - Air Corps Personnel.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

72 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his views on the employment on fatigue duties of highly paid and qualified technicians of the Air Corps in the Curragh Camp (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to these practices; and his further views on whether if is an efficient use of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4912/99]

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

206 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence his views on the employment on fatigue duties of highly paid and qualified technicians of the Air Corps in the Curragh Camp (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to these practices; and his further views on whether if is an efficient use of resources. [4948/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 206 together.

It is normal practice for all sections of the Defence Forces including the Air Corps to provide personnel from time to time for short periods for general and security duties in the Defence Forces Training Centre. Such duties are carried out on a rota basis.

A civilian catering contractor has been employed to provide catering needs, thereby reducing the requirement for military personnel to be deployed on such duties. All military per sonnel are liable for general and security duties which are regarded as an integral part of the work of members of the Defence Forces. This arrangement ensures that such duties are evenly spread amongst all members of the force.