Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)

Despite the obvious political opportunism attached to this motion on the reorganisation of our Defence Forces, I welcome the opportunity to speak about adverse effects which a downgrading of Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny will have on my constituents and the strategic position of the Army in the south east of Ireland.

The wind is gone from the sail of this motion because Fianna Fáil in Government consistently refused to give an absolute commitment on retaining specific barracks. This is a matter of public record and established practice. It supported the consolidation of Defence Forces units into a smaller number of locations as part of its objective of maximising efficiency. In January 2010, when it commenced the review of public service numbers under the employment control framework, it cast doubt on the future of a viable unit in Kilkenny. Taking note of the number of questions raised in the past by other Deputies, it is obvious that uncertainty has surrounded Stephens Barracks for a considerable period of time.

Now that the Chief of Staff has carried out a series of internal briefings in regard to decreasing the numbers in one infantry battalion in each of the three brigades, it is important that the Government remains aware of the need to maintain a regional balance in any agreed outcome. There are operational benefits in retaining a strategic regional Army presence in Kilkenny. I understand that the suggested consolidation plan will increase the numbers in two battalions and reduce numbers in the third. This will involve downgrading a battalion to a training unit with limited resources and scope.

The value of the Army's civil support role was not fully appreciated until we experienced the severe weather conditions of recent winters. In January, the Army stood ready to provide vital assistance to the people of the south east during a national emergency that had not yet received an adequate response from the Government.

Many of my constituents both in Carlow and Kilkenny, particularly those living in remote and upland areas, owe a great debt to the Defence Forces for their expertise and provision of specialist vehicles to local authorities and health and community care interests. I am aware of the vital emergency support role the Defence Forces played during the periods of bad weather in moving patients, medical staff and supplies where poor road conditions prevailed. It is no use telling a whole region that vital assistance is available elsewhere in Dublin, Cork or Limerick.

James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny has provided steady employment to both military and civilian families alike. The city and county has lost a number of its high-profile, intensive industries in recent years. Any reduction in Army personnel will have a disproportionate effect on the lives and livelihoods of those in my constituency in a region that has the lowest per capita standard of living in the country.

As a component part of the First Southern Brigade, Kilkenny is rich in accommodation and ancillary facilities so that the financial challenge to meet expansion there is reduced. Critically, in these austere times, viability must be one of the principal considerations in any decision. It goes without saying that the rubber-stamping by this Government of recommendations by senior Defence Forces management must be based on the costs.

have set out my views based on two aspects of the motion. I have also set out clear reasons why colleagues who are not burdened with barracks closures in their constituency should support the viable and strategic regional retention of James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny. I reject the motion because Fianna Fáil Members who are acting like prima donnas were responsible for the present difficulties.

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