John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

The motion before the House is neither cynical nor opportunistic. It is clear from the contributions to the debate that Deputies on all sides of the House were anxious to air their views on the importance of the Defence Forces and the barracks situated around the country. They have done so with passion. I commend Deputy Troy for his speech in defence of his own area, the local barracks and the Defence Forces in general. His appeal to the Minister to use common sense was well founded. I encourage the Minister to take on board the views of Opposition and Government Members. I appreciate that Deputies on the other side of the House can defeat the motion if they wish.

The Defence Forces have served the country well. I commend the 3rd Infantry Battalion which is based at James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny for the contribution it has made to the locality. I wish the Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Philip Brennan, well in heading up a 100-man unit that is going to serve overseas. The unit will play the leading role in the project in matters such as transport and medical services, etc. It shows the value of the Defence Forces' operations abroad and the value of James Stephens Barracks as part of the Army infrastructure throughout the country.

I acknowledge the work of previous Ministers. I was Mayor of Kilkenny in 1996 when James Stephens Barracks was threatened once again. The local story is that the barracks seems to be mentioned whenever barracks closures are threatened. Contrary to what has been said, the Fianna Fáil Minister for Defence at the time made it perfectly clear to the local community in Carlow and Kilkenny and the surrounding counties that James Stephens Barracks would not be closed. It did not close at the time, when Fianna Fáil was in government, despite all the political nonsense and noise to the effect that it would.

The number of personnel serving at James Stephen Barracks has continued to grow, despite the wrong and misleading commentary of a number of years ago. The number in service at the barracks is 270. Over €2 million was invested in the 14-acre site in recent times. Rather than considering the closure of the barracks, the Government should look at the services provided for the local community at the Garda and Army barracks. Perhaps some of the difficulties being experienced at the Garda barracks might be dealt with. James Stephens Barracks could be used to house a special Garda unit that is seeking a home. Perhaps they could be used beyond the Army, within the tightened resources and moneys available.

The Minister could easily increase the number of Defence Forces personnel serving at James Stephens Barracks. He could easily utilise to a greater degree the 14 acres available to him, for example, by facilitating the extension of the services provided from the existing Garda barracks on the other side of our growing city. I repeat that James Stephens Barracks could house the special Garda unit that has been designated for Kilkenny. It is a question of building on the investment made in the Army and the investment the Army has made in local communities, not just in Kilkenny but in every part of the country. Members of the House have spoken about exactly what has been done in the barracks in their local areas. They have emphasised the esteem in which Army personnel are so dearly held in each of these areas.

I note that some members of Óglaigh na hÉireann are present. Having served their time in the Army, they are here to support the force and ensure no further reduction in numbers is made. It is essential that the infrastructure is firmly protected for the future. The Minister needs to play a role in that regard. As a constructive Opposition party, we will work with the Minister and the Government in drawing up the budgets necessary to ensure the country's future. Certain values need to be reflected in what we are doing. Every time we impose a cut, we make a statement. We should not make a statement by reducing the number of Army personnel or infrastructure. We can make a brave statement by supporting those who have supported us at home and abroad.

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