Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I made that commitment in good faith. The economic situation changed dramatically since then and the Department of Defence was asked to come up with savings. The only way we could make savings under some subheads was to close a number of barracks. This was done along the Border area where the British had closed practically all of their installations in view of the disappearance of the security threat.

I understand the difficulty and trauma of the people of Longford which has been communicated to me. I have friends in Longford too. Deputy Bannon may not know it but I have good friends——

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