Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

As I have previously outlined to the House, the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations in a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports in recent years. This was a key consideration of the Government in addressing the issue, as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained, notwithstanding the fall in strength. I am satisfied that the decision taken by the Government in November 2011 to proceed with a further phase of consolidation is in the best interests of the Defence Forces and there are no plans to change that decision.

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