Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

To take Deputy Calleary's question, I cannot recall advice given by the military authorities to the Minister for Defence being published in the manner in which he states. There are clear security issues involved in that type of matter and it would be inappropriate and a dangerous precedent to publish that type of advice. I believe the Deputy knows that.

Every barracks in the country has unique features in the context of their history. Some buildings in various barracks have preservation orders on them. The barracks constructed in Cavan some years ago and from which I met delegation last week was a state-of-the-art barracks built for a particular purpose. I reiterate to Deputies that the circumstances in which we find ourselves, the reduction in real numbers in the Defence Forces and the importance of ensuring we use the capabilities to the maximum possible extent, require that we address these issues and we make what may well be very difficult decisions.

In the context of the current financial climate, I referred to the moneys raised from the sale of barracks. It probably was not envisaged in 2009 that the four barracks that were closed would give rise to very substantial moneys being realised but based on arrangements completed and arrangements being entered into, it is estimated that by next spring, approximately €5.5 million will be raised from the sale of properties associated with the four barracks closures in 2009.

If barracks are closed, I believe value can be realised from those sales to the benefit of the Defence Forces to reinvest in equipment and maintain equipment standards to the highest level and to the benefit of local towns in that if alternative uses can be identified for barracks, it may stimulate the economies of local towns instead of having a detrimental impact on them. These issues are of significant importance and we will address them carefully should barracks close.

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