Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

With the Good Friday dispensation and the welcome regularising of the security situation, the operational requirement to have troops deployed so widely in seven military posts along the Border no longer exists.

On the northern side of the Border, the chain of British military bases has already been removed. Closing the four smaller Border posts, including Connolly Barracks, Longford, and consolidating them into the existing larger units will provide a major benefit in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in Defence Forces formations and training.

The need to consolidate the Defence Forces has been signalled for many years. While Defence Forces personnel are understandably saddened by the closure of Connolly Barracks, they also understand the need for this action and know the benefits in military training and development to which the consolidation will give rise.

The military authorities have assured the Minister for Defence a range of available accommodation and facilities are in place and that any additional arrangements required will be in place by the time personnel will have to transfer to their new locations. A process of advising and assisting personnel moving to new locations is already in train. The military authorities advised staff on the details of the proposals on the day after the budget. The Army Chief of Staff has visited each of the barracks concerned to meet the personnel. Any staff concerns arising can be put forward through partnership and representative arrangements. The Minister has asked me to assure the House that any issues arising for both civilian and military personnel will be addressed in an appropriate manner.

Regarding Deputy Bannon's argument on the impact on the local economy, it is important to stress there will be no job losses. All the existing military and civilian personnel based in Connolly Barracks will continue to hold their jobs. The Minister and the Department of Defence do not expect any major negative economic impact on the local communities.

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