asked the Minister for Defence the role he envisages for the FCA in the future; and, in particular, whether he has any plans to enhance and expand their present role.

Since 1979 the role assigned to the FCA has been mainly that of local defence which enables its units to provide military security in their own areas and, where circumstances so require, support for units of the Permanent Defence Force in those areas.

The role of the FCA is one of the matters which are being examined in the context of the Defence Policy Review which is being carried out at present.

I should declare interest in this matter, as a former FCA officer. Would the Minister acknowledge the outstanding role that the FCA have played over the years at very small cost to the State? Would the Minister acknowledge the need now to boost the morale of the force?

I certainly acknowledge the magnificent role played by the FCA but I do not accept that morale is low. In fact, morale in the Defence Forces, including the FCA, is excellent.

Will the Minister accept that in the review there is a case to be made for a substantial enhancement of the role of the FCA, who the Minister acknowledges have made an outstanding contribution and that there is vast potential for a further contribution in the years ahead?

The role of the FCA is one of the matters being examined in the context of that review. I will bring the Deputy's interest in that to the notice of the Minister.