Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important item. I and my colleagues in Fianna Fáil support the retention of the 4th Western Brigade and its headquarters status in Custume Barracks, Athlone. Reforms of the Defence Forces should not be done in isolation or on a piecemeal basis. Any reforms should be carried out within the framework of the Green Paper, whereby all interested parties would be consulted.

I accept there is no threat to close Custume Barracks and that the only people using this line are Government members who are doing so as a smoke-screen to cover up the real issue at hand. The decision to reduce the number of brigades from three to two was that of the Minister for Defence, Deputy Shatter. I am disappointed he did not have the courtesy to attend this debate. It was he who wrote to the chief of the Defence Forces in December seeking a report on the reduction. He has received this report and I believe an announcement is imminent.

Is the 4th Western Brigade for the chop according to the report? If so, what will be the strength of the remaining units? Can the Minister of State name the units that will remain in Custume Barracks, Athlone? Can he confirm that the 600 personnel currently linked to the Western Brigade in Athlone could be relocated? Does he realise the considerable economic impact this would have not only on the town of Athlone but also on the much wider midlands area? The local chamber of commerce has predicted an economic loss in the region of €24 million annually.

Does the Minister of State realise just how severely the 4th Western Brigade has been hit, with barracks closing in Mullingar, Longford, Cavan and Lifford, to name but a few? Does he not agree that the central location of Athlone is ideal for headquarters of any future brigade?

Possibly the most important issue concerns the Army personnel and their families. I refer to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to service to the town, region and country. The manner in which the Government is treating them is nothing short of appalling and scandalous. There is considerable anxiety and worry and nothing is being done by the Government to alleviate the fear.

I ask the Minister of State to defer any decision and work within the framework of the Green Paper, which is included in the programme for Government. He should make a commitment on the floor of this House that the Minister for Defence and the Taoiseach will meet a delegation from those who attended the recently held public meeting, a selection of Oireachtas Members and representatives from Athlone Town Council, not just to engage in some cosmetic exercise but to engage in a meaningful manner to ensure the future of Custume Barracks and the headquarters status of the 4th Western Brigade.

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