Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on this important White Paper before the Minister brings the draft to Government for approval. Every stakeholder, including all of us here today, can provide important inputs into a process which will frame this White Paper, one which will map out the future of the Defence Forces for the next decade and beyond.

The world is certainly a very changed place since 2000 when the first White Paper on Defence was published. A year later in 2001, the twin towers attack in New York opened the world and all of us to the horror of terrorism and how it can strike anywhere, not just at historic flash-points around the globe but at people's very doorsteps. Since then, the world has been on a constant state of alert, due to the countless terrorism attacks which have led to the brutal and senseless loss of many lives. Given the growth in terrorist groups in all parts of the world, the security challenges facing countries, including Ireland, is now much more significant. The stark reminder of how close these threats really are was brought home to us last week with the tragic deaths of three Irish people, killed in a terrorist attack in Tunisia.

I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families of Larry and Martina Hayes from my home town Athlone and Lorna Carty from Robinstown in Meath. Larry and Martina, Lorna and her husband Declan, had travelled to Tunisia to enjoy a sun holiday, but were brutally killed by a gunman. It is shocking to think that the threat of terrorism is so close to our own people.

It is very evident that given the dramatic changes in the security landscape, the Government has acted promptly to produce a new White Paper on defence in order to fully address these and future challenges. As we provide our final inputs, I want to commend all stakeholders who have made submissions as part of what has been a very intensive consultation process, commencing with a Green Paper published in July 2013. From a wide variety of individuals and interested groups, including civil and military personnel and an inter-departmental group, there has been a comprehensive consultation process.

Last month, I was very pleased to represent Longford-Westmeath at the symposium on the White Paper on defence in Farmleigh. This brought together a wide range of stakeholders and international experts to discuss key policy issues. As we discuss the White Paper this evening, I seek assurance from the Minister that there will be no more brigade restructuring and no more barrack closures. In my home town of Athlone, Custume Barracks has been the heart and soul of the town since the foundation of the State and despite the scaremongering, the barracks is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks. Apart from the considerable capital investment of €6.5 million at Custume Barracks since 2009, ongoing recruitment is also taking place to maintain serving strength. This level of investment and activity would not have taken place if there were any plans to close the barracks.

I also seek an assurance from the Minister that Custume Barracks will become the permanent base for the very successful air ambulance service once this service is placed on a long-term footing. Like many parts of the country, the midlands has a very proud history in the Defence Forces. A large cohort of members and former members have served in Ireland and overseas with distinction. My own family has had a long association with the Defence Forces. I hope that those members who have served their country so proudly will be looked after when they finish their time in the Defence Forces, by way of training and upskilling. Regarding former members, I also seek an assurance from the Minister that all retired members will receive parity of esteem in the context of the completed White Paper, including members of the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers, ARCO, the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women, ONE, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, lUNVA.

On a wider point, I pay credit to the Minister, for standing by Fine Gael's pre-election commitment to maintain Irish Defence Forces numbers at 9,500. No doubt this figure will be retained as a very minimum for the future. It is clear the Government understands the integral role the Defence Forces play in securing this State and in peacekeeping duties around the world. To conclude, this White Paper is about gearing up the Defence Forces, not scaling them down. I very much welcome this.

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