Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach, in his role as Minister for Defence, and I, in my role as Minister of State at the Department of Defence, visited Athlone barracks a number of weeks ago. We saw at first hand the importance of the air ambulance service. We are awaiting a report on the service. It is an excellent service not alone for Athlone, but also for the midlands in general.

Deputy McFadden stated there were rumours in the local newspapers, including last week, about the future of Custume Barracks. Let me state to the local newspapers in Athlone and Roscommon that I hope they will give the same headlines to the statement I made today as they did to the rumours last week. I very much appreciate Deputy McFadden raising the important issue of Custume Barracks in Athlone.

I understand and am aware of its importance to the local economy in Athlone. I assure the Deputy that she has my full commitment, as well as that of the Government, that there are no fears or plans to close Custume Barracks, Athlone or to reduce numbers there. Custume Barracks, Athlone plays an integral part within the wider Defence Forces organisation nationwide and the Government has committed to the numbers there. I note Deputy McFadden also mentioned the service personnel from Custume Barracks have given on peacekeeping missions abroad. I greatly appreciate this service and have been on ministerial reviews with troops going abroad from Athlone. Moreover, I have met many troops from the greater Athlone area and from Custume Barracks who were based in the Golan Heights, in Lebanon and further afield. I am aware of the excellent job they have done and the commitment they have given, and in return for the commitment they have given to the Defence Forces, the Government has given a commitment back that there are no fears of Custume Barracks, Athlone closing or of a reduction in numbers there.

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