Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak on the motion on an issue that is important to many people in my constituency. In recent weeks I have received countless telephone calls and e-mails on this matter. It is an issue that dominates my work at present and will continue to do so until a final decision is reached.

For the record, I am opposed to the possible closure of Kickham Barracks in Clonmel. I have conveyed that to the Minister. My opposition is not simply based on the financial impact on the town but also because of the rich military tradition that exists in Clonmel, which is a source of great pride in my constituency. The service of the men and women in the barracks is something of which we can be proud. Some of my colleagues have mentioned that they met with the military families. I am pleased to say that I have also met some of them and listened to their cases. I look forward to meeting more of them at a public meeting in Clonmel on Monday night.

We often thank those in the Defence Forces for their service, rightly so, but I also thank the families - husbands, wives, sons and daughters that often say goodbye to loved ones for months at a time as they represent this country overseas. I would like to reassure those families that they too are in my thoughts with regard to this matter. I hope to be able to address some of their concerns in the coming weeks.

I have already stated publicly that I will support the Government on this matter, although that may not be popular with many people in my constituency. I was elected to not only represent my constituency but to get work done on rebuilding the country, to bring people back to work, to stop the high levels of emigration and the flight from our country that is taking place. I will not be swayed by political stunts, such as the one on display in the House tonight and last night, with such a serious topic currently in discussion with the Department as well as at Cabinet.

What I find so disappointing about the motion is not the issue itself but its use by the Opposition for publicity and self-promotion on local radio and in local newspapers.

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