asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider bringing the FCA uniform more in line with that of the regular forces; and further if he will consider giving FCA officers the opportunity to purchase and wear dress uniform similar to that of regular officers.

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 40 of the 9th July.

The answer to the second part of the question is "No".

Would the Minister not consider that if an FCA officer is invited to a military function it seems extraordinary that he is obliged to wear a civilian dress suit rather than a military uniform and that he should have an opportunity at least to purchase the military uniform so that he can attend a military function dressed in the proper way?

That is a matter that would require very deep consideration. I have sympathy with the Deputy's point of view but for the moment the change he suggests is not contemplated.

Would the Minister consider having a special dress uniform for FCA officers?

Can the Minister say if button-up regulations still obtain in regard to FCA uniforms and would he not consider allowing FCA personnel to purchase a green shirt and tie themselves even?

I am giving very careful consideration to the question of FCA dress at the moment. I am very sympathetic towards any suggestion that would improve their dress, give them better uniforms and so on. Beyond that I am not prepared to make any comment at the moment.

Would the Minister not consider having a special dress uniform available to FCA personnel who wish to purchase it? This would not cause confusion.

This is a matter that can certainly be considered but it is one on which I would be slow to give a decision just now.

I would not expect the Minister to give a decision on it now but there is a difference between wearing officer's uniform and dress uniform.

An FCA man gets a uniform which must last him three years. He must lie in ditches and everything else and appear at public functions in the same uniform afterwards and have people like me criticising his appearance. Does the Minister consider that that is as it should be?

The Deputy must realise that the turnover in FCA personnel is quite astounding and it would involve very considerable financial commitment if we were to provide as we would like to for the FCA personnel. I can assure the Deputy it is a matter that is receiving special consideration at the moment. I am personally very sympathetic towards it and I would hope that there will be a satisfactory outcome to the situation.

Question No. 83.

Would the Minister agree that there might not be such a big turnover if there was a better uniform?

I would not agree.