Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to take part in this lively debate. For my part and on behalf of the people I represent I acknowledge the very fine work done my members of the Defence Forces over generations since the foundation of the State. We all owe them a great debt of gratitude. That unites all of us in this House because we have a common purpose in what they serve and what we serve in representing them. Internationally on their foreign missions, for example with the UN in Lebanon and our missions to Chad they have done outstanding work. We should take every opportunity to highlight that they have done us all proud.

They have supported many voluntary groups and organisations locally. They helped out at the time of the big freeze and when we had flooding. Regarding community events, they will attend country fairs and markets when asked. When they are requested they always show up. They are an integral part of the fabric of our society and we need to have an honest debate about the future of our Defence Forces, which has been lacking. The comprehensive spending review which has been under way for some months has been mentioned. Last week during Leaders' Questions and on the Order of Business we heard that the review will not be published, which is a disgrace. If decisions are to be taken about the future of our Army personnel and their families based on a comprehensive spending review, that information should be published and we should all have the opportunity to have an informed debate rather than the ding-dong of who closed what and when over the years. That does not do the people who are in the Visitors Gallery any good nor does it do any good for members of the Defence Forces or their families.

When Army barracks are closed we continue to own those barracks and we still need to pay the personnel. We need to maintain the buildings, and pay for insurance and other overheads. What is to be achieved by closing Army barracks and transferring the personnel? The local communities will suffer a loss of business and commerce. The entire fabric of the local community will be affected right down to the schools. It will lead to upheaval for families. If internal military briefings are taking place highlighting that people will need to be moved, lifestyle choices will be taken without people being informed as to the basis upon which those decisions should be taken, which is wrong in anybody's language. Decisions should be taken in an open and transparent fashion with people fully informed.

I want to mention Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick city. I ask the Minister of State present tonight whether the future of those barracks is guaranteed. While it is not in my constituency, but in the neighbouring constituency of Limerick City, I represent many of the personnel who serve there and their family members who live in my constituency.

While we are discussing barracks, what is the position on Garda barracks? We have heard much of Garda stations tonight. I could list the places in my constituency affected, including Murroe, Doon, Cappamore, Croom and Askeaton. I have read newspaper reports of Fine Gael local authority members rightly making the case as to why they should be kept open. We need an open and transparent debate on that matter also.

People are saying this debate is cynical and opportunist, which I resent. It is our duty as it was the duty of Government Members when they were on this side of the House. They raised issues of public importance and of concern to the citizens, which is exactly what we are doing here tonight as we are duty bound to do. It is a disgrace for them to say we are being cynical and opportunist. The people in the Visitor's Gallery have listened to the Minister of State say we are being opportunist and populist, which is a disgrace and he should withdraw those remarks.

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