asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement outlining his plans for the development of the FCA.

(Limerick West): The development of the FCA is being examined in the context of the Defence Policy Review which is being carried out at present.

Is the Minister aware of the substantial rundown in FCA ranks, bearing in mind the contribution they have made in Border areas from 1979 onwards as exemplified in the many fine speeches made by Ministers of various Governments? Is he aware that there are plans well in train to run down, if not disband the FCA completely?

(Limerick West): I am not aware of any plans to run down or reduce the status of the FCA in any way. As a matter of fact, their status is the same as it was two to five years ago.

In view of the statement by the Minister at the all-Army shoots in the Curragh in July last — to the effect that the FCA would be supplied with a new uniform while no such contract has yet been entered into — would he say why that contract has not been lodged and——

This would appear to be a specific matter warranting another question.

(Limerick West): If the Minister made a statement with regard to such a commitment it will be honoured.

Why is it not possible to give a certain degree of priority to FCA personnel wishing to join the regular Army?

(Limerick West): That is a matter which has been considered from time to time and has not been found to be practical. Of course, there is nothing to debar serving FCA members from applying for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Forces at any time.

Would it not be a great incentive to them?

(Limerick West): They are not automatically debarred.

9.

asked the Minister for Defence the plans his Department has to stand down FCA officers, non-commissioned officers and men who are in full-time service in the Permanent Defence Force; the plans he has to replace them; the level of severance pay he intends to pay them; when their services will be terminated; if they will be offered full-time service as a members of the Permanent Defence Force; if they will be given credit for the service with the FCA for pension purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): A scheme is being drawn up which will give the personnel involved the option of transferring to the Permanent Defence Force under special conditions or of being stood down from full time service and paid a gratuity. The formulation of the scheme is nearing completion.

Will the personnel who will be allowed to go out and receive a gratuity or, alternatively, be transferred to the Permanent Defence Force be transferred with the same rank and under the same conditions? Will the officers, NCOs and men who are stood down and returned to their respective units retain their present or previous posting in their respective units within the FCA?

(Limerick West): The latter part of the Deputy's question is a matter for the military authorities. With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question, I would expect that people who would be transferred to the Permanent Defence Force would retain their present rank.

Would the Minister state what is the reason for having these men stood down in view of the fact that some of them have served since 1969 and are quite content to give good service to their units? Is the Minister aware that having these men stood down would lead to a grave shortage of personnel at officer, NCO and private level in Border units from Donegal to Dundalk?

(Limerick West): This matter has been under consideration for the past two or three years. The position has become irregular. I want to have it regularised and allow such personnel the option of standing down or, alternatively, of joining the Permanent Defence Force. It is important that it should be regularised. I assure the Deputy that the new scheme, which is almost completed, will take full account of the fact that these personnel volunteered their services in the first instance at a time when they were badly needed.