David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister prepared to take an imaginative and flexible approach whereby such properties might become available for local community needs and so on? Does the Minister not agree that many of these properties are located in towns which are of a strategic nature? There may be ways of proceeding other than selling properties for hard cash. It may be possible to enter into long lease agreements from which the Department would have an income. The tradition of the military could be recognised and maintained in some shape or form in some cases. Property could be used by the Reserve Defence Force at some future date and some modern buildings could be constructed where these older buildings are at present. Will the Minister consider a flexible and imaginative approach?

See this speech in context