190 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence his views on the accuracy of the reported strength of the FCÁ; if any test or unannounced check is ever conducted to validate the returns; whether he considers that the present system of funding for units does not encourage the marking up of non-effective members and thereby prevent recruitment of active personnel; and if he considers that this practice leads to demoralisation among the active FCÁ personnel.

At FCÁ unit level the strength of units is recorded in prescribed roll books which are inspected and checked by command FCÁ headquarters' staff at intermittent intervals throughout the year. Further checks are undertaken by the Department in connection with the issue of grants to unit funds. The manner in which members may be declared non-effective and struck off the effective strength is set out in Defence Force Regulations.

Grants are payable annually to unit funds subject to certain maximum amounts prescribed in Defence Force Regulations. The strength position of units is taken into account in determining the grant payable.