Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was referring to a Minister with sole responsibility, and the Minister knows it.

Since this Government came to power there has been a reduction in the number of people in the Defence Forces. We have also seen the disestablishment of the 4th western brigade. Under a statutory instrument the number of personnel permitted within Custume Barracks, Athlone, has been reduced. There were 12 units attached to Custume Barracks, Athlone, before 30 November 2012 and there are now eight units attached. The permitted Defence Force personnel was 1,440 before 30 November 2012 and the permitted personnel number today is 860. There might be other personnel attached on a temporary basis but clearly, under a statutory instrument, and the Minister does not need me to tell him the significance of a statutory instrument, the number of people permitted to Custume Barracks is 860. The units that remain are the 6th infantry battalion, the 2nd field artillery regiment, the 2nd field engineering company and the band. Will the Minister confirm whether that is true or false?

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