Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

That is okay. I have outlined many of the concerns that have been raised with me and the other Deputies for the area. I strongly believe I would be doing a disservice to the constituents I serve if I were to fail to express their views here. As a Government Deputy, I would like to place on the record that I am extremely disappointed about the possible closure of Dún Uí Néill barracks. However, I recognise that the task of the Government is to make many tough decisions of this nature. The bottom line is that the negligence of the previous Administration has left us with no alternative other than to cut costs. Fianna Fáil has been quick to berate the Government about the potential closure of Army barracks. Its motion "condemns the Minister for Defence's refusal to rule out the closure of any Army barracks". It is obvious that some Opposition Deputies have short memories. Fianna Fáil was in power when the decision to close the Army barracks in Monaghan town was taken.

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