Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I have been advised that there have been serious discussions - I do not know whether the Minister of State can confirm this - about further downsizing the Defence Forces. In other words, downsizing them by stealth. If that happens might it lead to a reduction in the present number of brigades, namely, three, and to units within the Defence Forces? For example, I heard that the cavalry and artillery units will be merged. Can the Minister of State confirm that this will happen?

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