asked the Minister for Defence if he will restore the two weeks annual training and gratuity for the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The reduction in the annual training period to 7 days continues to be necessary as part of the Government's programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure.

Notwithstanding the reduced period of annual training, the gratuities payable to members who undergo annual training in 1988 will continue to be at the full rates and not at the reduced rates which would normally apply in respect of attendance at training for the shorter period.

Would the Minister not consider that it is essential for morale and for a high standard of efficiency to be achieved by personnel of the FCA that they would continue to have the opportunity to attend at a two-week annual training course? Will the Minister reconsider Government policy in this area and state what role the Government now see for the FCA, as morale has deteriorated rapidly since this one-week annual training course was introduced?

The question deals with the restoration of the two weeks annual training.

(Limerick West): I do not know where the Deputy is getting his information with regard to the lack of morale in the FCA and in the Army and I am daily in touch with the Army and the FCA. The one-week training has been in operation since 1983 as a part of the continuing programme to achieve reductions in the level of public expenditure. The Army are not exempt from this policy. When the time comes for a restoration of the two-weeks training period, it will be done.