Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Bannon who I know is very concerned about this particular issue. As the House is aware, on Tuesday, 15 November the Government approved a proposal from me to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations with the closure of four barracks, Clonmel, Mullingar, Cavan and Castlebar. It is proposed to have the personnel transferred and the barracks closed no later than Friday, 30 March next.

The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme in order to maximise the effectiveness of the Defence Forces and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years.

In these difficult times the closures will enhance the flexibility available to the Defence Forces in the use of their resources, both human and financial. I am especially concerned to protect the strength of the Defence Forces being also mindful of the difficult economic situation facing the country. The numbers are currently just below 9,500 and I am anxious to ensure that Defence Forces numbers are maintained at approximately 9,500 both this year and in future years.

While the major objectives of the closures is to release as many personnel as possible for operational duties, annual savings in respect of utilities, security duty allowances and maintenance will also arise. This will amount to approximately €1.3 million per annum in respect of the four closures.

In addition to the cost of utilities each barracks requires a security detail and additional further personnel are tied up on purely administrative duties connected to the management of the particular barracks. Because maintaining barrack security requires around the clock cover, a much larger pool of personnel is required. Therefore, several hundred additional man years will become available for operational duties. At a minimum, the value of this efficiency gain will comfortably exceed €5 million per year.

In recent weeks, as the Deputy is aware, I have met with individual Members of the Oireachtas and a delegation from Mullingar as well as delegations from Clonmel and Cavan. I have reflected carefully and at length on the sincere and genuine concerns raised by the delegation who put forward very strongly held views as to why the barracks in Mullingar and the other two barracks should be retained. I wish to acknowledge the sincerity and courtesy with which these views were conveyed.

It is appreciated and understood that the consolidation proposals may result in a level of hardship on some personnel and both staff of the Department and the military authorities will take into account the personal circumstances of those stationed at the locations concerned including Mullingar. Generally speaking, people will be expected to transfer with their unit to the new location. However, requests for transfers to units in other locations will be examined on a case-by-case basis having regard to the availability of vacancies.

The military authorities have agreed to provide a transport service between Mullingar and Athlone if required. This will be for an initial period to allow the transfer to be effected. Briefings will be held in all barracks including Mullingar. The purpose of these briefings is to give precise details of the change of station allowance scheme and to address any concerns that may arise. Essentially, this scheme provides for the payment of certain allowances to personnel who are permanently transferred to a new station and who meet certain conditions.

Arising from the Government decision I have asked my Department to enter into discussions with other Departments, local authorities and State agencies regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures.

As I stated earlier, I am conscious of the hardship this decision may impose on some personnel and their families and I can assure the House that it was not a decision that was taken lightly. However, because of the appalling economic legacy inherited by this Government from its predecessor difficult decisions have to be taken affecting all areas of society. The current proposals are in the best interests of the Defence Forces and that must be my priority. Maintaining the numbers in the Defence Forces to ensure they can maximise their capabilities to the benefit of the community in both domestic and international duties is central.

There is no question of the barracks being left idle and let fall into disrepair. As Deputy Bannon knows, since becoming Minister I have been actively engaged in seeking a means of dealing with Connolly Barracks, Longford, which has been revalued. As a consequence of an engagement between my Department and the local council I am optimistic that in the not too distant future arrangements will be made to the benefit of all with regard to that barracks.

The legacy of barracks in this country does not derive from any strategic decision ever made by our Defence Forces. They derive from the view of the British authorities when we were a colony as to where barracks should be located to keep down the rebellious Irish. We will have 14 barracks in the country when the four barracks in question are closed. I hope these decisions will be to the benefit of the Defence Forces and to the community generally.

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