Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Some €84.98 million has been realised to date from the disposal of six barracks and part of another. The money is ring-fenced and returned to the Defence Vote as appropriations-in-aid. Under some of the major programmes, light tactical armoured vehicles, armoured APCs, two EC135 helicopters, six AW139 helicopters and two new offshore patrol vessels have been purchased. I believe €100,000 will be spent on the Reserve Defence Force. That frees up all the personnel who otherwise would look after barracks.

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