Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

My primary obligation as Minister for Defence, while remaining aware of the impact of barracks in local communities, is to ensure that we use the resources provided to the Defence Forces to the best extent possible. Bearing that in mind, I must make decisions based on the importance of retaining men and women, the number of which has now fallen below 9,500, or buildings in the Defence Forces. These are serious decisions which I must address.

The delegations with whom I met expressed concern in regard to the impact on local towns of any possible closures. I am conscious of the concerns articulated to me. However, should closures take place, it is anticipated, based on past experience, that the impact on local communities would be negligible because most of the personnel serving in barracks which close continue to live in the areas in which they previously resided. Following the closure of four barracks in 2009, no families have as yet made claims for allowances which they could have claimed had they moved residential location. It is not anticipated, if there are closures, that there will be widespread movement of people out of local towns. This means that closure of a barracks does not to any extent result in people losing their jobs, rather it means that the location of where they work rather than live changes. Much of the spending power of those who served in a barracks in a particular location remains within the area in which their families live.

If we were in different financial times and if the State was flahulach with money this would not be an issue we would necessarily be pursuing. In the context of the review, I must have regard to advice given to me by those in the Defence Forces as to the strategic necessity and relevance of particular barracks and as to whether the Defence Forces could perform functions more efficiently by further barracks consolidation. That, of course, is a very serious issue which must feature in any final decision we make.

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