Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

For almost three months of the six months, Deputy Calleary's party was in government and there was a degree of confusion as to who actually was the Minister of Defence because Mr. Killeen resigned and Deputy Ó Cuív was appointed and then we had a general election.

I want to reiterate if constructive proposals can be implemented which are in the public interest, which address the commercial value of the barracks and which are clearly in the interest of Longford, my officials will participate in discussions to bring about such a resolution. However, it is for the Longford authorities to come to terms with the financial implications of any arrangements that might be implemented to meet requirements in this regard. There is no difficulty with the council dealing with matters with officials in the Department of Defence and I encourage that. However, at the end of the day specific proposals must come from the council for the Department to consider.

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