Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

While I have not received an exact figure, I am advised that substantial cost savings will be achieved through the closures. Payments will reduce in respect of barrack guard duties, storage, utility costs, maintenance, heating and lighting etc. As I indicated, however, the main driver for the decision was that the Army was too widely dispersed over too many barracks, particularly in light of the size of the Defence Forces and the population of the country. A particular problem that arose on the Border due to the situation in Northern Ireland has been resolved. There was no justification for maintaining no less than seven of our 20 Army barracks in the Border area and for that reason the decision was taken to consolidate.

From conversations with members of the general staff and Permanent Defence Force, their view appears to be that this is a good step for the Army as better collective training and less wider dispersal will ensure greater efficiency in the use of Defence Forces resources.

I take account of Deputy Deenihan's comments regarding transport costs. Provision has been made for removal and transport costs to be provided for a certain period. However, even when one takes these factors into account, the previous programme of barracks closures resulted in a much better, more efficient military organisation and delivered cost savings. This outcome will also be achieved with the current programme.

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