Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputies McGrath and Calleary for their complimentary comments about the performance of the Defence Forces over the past week, which elicited a substantial amount of public admiration, including internationally. The manner in which our Defence Forces presented themselves and conducted their duties has resulted in substantial praise from different parts of the world. They should feel proud of themselves and we in the House should feel proud of them.

I appreciate the concerns expressed by the Deputy. As I said earlier, the key criterion will be the requirement to move towards improving military effectiveness and efficiency, and we must do so in the context of the difficult economic climate with which we are confronted and the limited funds available to the Government for current expenditure.

With the present spread of barracks, individual infantry battalions and their support services are spread over a number of locations. This has a severe impact on their ability to be fully effective, and must be addressed. However, as I said to the Deputy, no decisions have been made. Should I get the opportunity, I would be happy to accept the Deputy's invitation.

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