Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the merging of brigades and other units, a review of the organisation of the Defence Forces is timely. The numbers will be maintained at 10,000. A sustainable structure to match this strength will ensure a continuation of the current excellent level of service. As I stated already, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the outcome of the review which has not yet been completed.

Regarding possible closures or further downsizings, the closure of barracks and the consolidation of Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the 2009 White Paper on Defence. Four barracks were closed - Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford. The Government has made no decision in regard to any other barracks nor are further closures under its active consideration at this time.

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