Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

The option of barracks closures, which is being discussed this evening, may or may not happen. If it does happen, at least Defence Forces personnel can be assured that they will be redeployed, unlike the private sector workers who have to find alternative employment when they lose their jobs. That is the stark reality of the situation. I note from the Minister's comments that any plan in this regard will be based on the previous Government's White Paper on Defence. I am sure it will be discussed with the heads of the Army and the other branches of the Defence Forces. They will make a rational decision about the operational capacity of the Army, and where best to locate Army barracks, on the basis of best practice. I am concerned about the possibility of a barracks being closed in the Border region. The Defence Forces did a sterling job along the Border to protect this country during the Troubles. I pay tribute to everybody in our Defence Forces.

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