Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

Is legislation promised or required in respect of a matter about which Deputy Tom Hayes and I, as well as others, yesterday met the Minister for Defence, namely, the closure of the Army barracks in Clonmel? The decision to close the barracks, if it is made, will be made as a cost saving measure and I note we handed over 7,000 signatures. I have a document in my possession stating it would cost €5.5 million to relocate the troops concerned to Limerick, which could not be described in any way as a cost saving. Moreover, members of the Tánaiste's own party and some in the Cabinet also have concerns about barracks throughout the country. While this is being done in the name of cost saving, what costs are being saved if it would cost €5.5 million to transfer the troops but only €160,000 to keep them in Clonmel?

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