Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

The Deputy referred to the reserve forces, which is an issue we are taking into account. The Minister, Deputy Shatter, is very much aware of this matter and of the importance of the work the reserve forces carry out. They will be accommodated when planning is being carried out on the future of the barracks.

The Deputy said it is a huge psychological blow to Clonmel, and there is no doubt that it is, as it is for Cavan and Mullingar and in the case of the other barracks that closed in recent years. However, just because the barracks in Clonmel has closed does not mean the Defence Forces will not be available in emergency cases, such as the flooding Clonmel has been prone to over many years. I assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces are still there to serve on behalf of the community and for the community, and that will continue not alone in Clonmel but right across the country. During the recent inclement weather in December and January last, although there is only a very small barracks in County Wexford with just ten or 15 personnel, we still got the very same support from the Defence Forces as towns like Clonmel, Mullingar or Cavan, where there were full-time barracks.

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