Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

This motion is grounded entirely in politics. It appears that after years of irresponsible leadership and poor decision making, Fianna Fáil has yet to return to reality. Given the financial burden placed on the Government and the people, as well as a loss of economic sovereignty, every Department has been placed under severe pressure.

I agree with the Minister that our priority must be to maintain the current numbers of military personnel serving in the Defence Forces. We are already back to the 1970 levels but it is my belief that to maintain our current commitment overseas we must not reduce military numbers any further, and I am glad that the Minister is not doing that. However, importantly, the overall operations of the Defence Forces can only be decided by senior military commanders in consultation with the Department of Defence. They are the ones best positioned to advise on decisions such as these. All I would ask is that the Minister takes into account the enormous impact the Defence Forces have in Clonmel and south Tipperary, and that they consider the financial effect such a closure would have on the many local businesses, not alone in Clonmel but throughout Tipperary. I will continue to fight for these people and their communities.

I finish by thanking the Defence Forces for their great commitment to the country. I hope the Minister listens to the plea I have made tonight. I am glad a decision has not been made and that it will take some time for a decision to be made on the issue.

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