275 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Defence the number of events and ceremonies which the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and he attended to celebrate the 50 anniversary of the FCA. [7451/97]

The 50th anniversary of the formation of the FCA occurred on 6 February 1996. A number of events were held during the years to commemorate the anniversary. These included the following:

(1) The Reserve Defence Forces Representative Association presented a new perpetual 50th Anniversary Shield at the Reserve Defence Forces Orienteering Championships on 12 May 1996.

(2) The May, 1996, edition of An Cosantóir, the Defence Forces magazine, featured the 50th anniversary and articles related to the FCA were included in editions of the magazine produced throughout the year.

276 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the main ceremony to commemorate the 50 anniversary of the FCA; and the members of the Government who attended. [7452/97]

The 50th anniversary of the formation of the FCA occurred on 6 February 1996. A number of events were held during the year to commemorate the anniversary. These included the following:

(1) The Reserve Defence Forces Representative Association presented a new perpetual 50th Anniversary Shield at the Reserve Defence Forces Orienteering Championships on 12 May 1996.

(2) The May 1996, edition of An Cosantóir, the Defence Forces magazine, featured the 50th anniversary and articles related to the FCA were included in editions of the magazine produced throughout the year.

(3) The Reserve Defence Forces Shooting Competitions held on 25/26 May 1996.