asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for a recruiting drive in respect of the FCA.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Recruiting Drive.
6.
Recruitment to An Fórsa Cosanta Aitiúil is a continuing process and no special measures are proposed.
Would the Minister not agree that the FCA would be a good base on which to establish a police force along the Border?
Indeed I do and I am very thankful to the FCA for the work they are doing, particularly barrack duty to relieve members of the permanent Defence Forces for more active duty on the Border. The effective strength on 13th April, 1970, was 16,219 comprising 669 officers, 2,809 non-commissioned officers and 12,741 privates. On the 30th September, 1974, the strength of the force was 16,927 members, comprising 665 officers, 2,991 non-commissioned officers and 13,271 privates. The situation, therefore, is very satisfactory and, as I say, I am very, very grateful to the FCA.
Would the Minister not consider stepping up the recruiting drive for the FCA with particular emphasis on those Border counties?
The recruiting drive for the FCA is proceeding well and I do not think it needs to be stepped up. The figures I have given indicate that more patriotic young men are seeking their way to patriotism within the Defence Forces of their own country, as the figures I have given prove, and they indicate a healthy situation in the FCA. As I say, I am very thankful to the FCA. Indeed, a figure of between 400 and 450 members of the FCA have, on request by commanding officers in the various areas, come in wholetime since the Dáil rose for the summer recess. That is surely a very satisfactory situation.
Would the Minister——
Deputy Leonard, the Chair is anxious to make some progress. We have about 500 questions on the Order Paper.
Arising out of the Minister's statement with regard to recruitment and the satisfactory position in relation to the FCA, does the Minister not consider that, in view of the statements made recently by the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, he would want to expedite that recruiting campaign without delay if, indeed, the statements made by the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs are true?
The efforts being made are getting a satisfactory response and the work of the FCA is much appreciated. In answer to a simple request by commanding officers between 400 and 450 members of the FCA have come in wholetime. That is an indication of the backing the nation is getting from people who believe there must be an end to subversion and subversives.
Could the Minister give the House any information with regard to the proposed Local Defence Force?
That is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
Surely the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Justice, who allegedly have joint responsibility for security, are in touch with one another?
We are getting into a different area now.
The Opposition complain that Ministers talk with different tongues and I do not now propose to trespass on the province of my colleague.
(Interruptions.)
Order. I am calling Question No. 7.