Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

The Minister of State referred to consultation and he just confirmed that PDFORRA and RACO were not consulted prior to the decision being announced. Is it putting the cart before the horse to announce reorganisation involving a reduction from three brigades to two before asking the Chief of Staff and Secretary General to bring forward fitting proposals? Surely a consultation process should be about whether a decision is feasible. Will the Minister of State clarify the position on this?

Who actually made the decision? Was it a recommendation that came to the Minister or did the Minister himself decide, based on the figures, budgets and efficiencies, whether it was best to have three or two brigades?

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