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

Army personnel will have to travel from a more distant location to the Border and the situation will prove challenging. In addition to the incidence of foot and mouth, there are other challenges in which the Army should and could play a more meaningful role. I refer to cigarette smuggling, the smuggling of illegal fuel and fuel laundering. Recently, there have been allegations concerning illegal abattoirs in operation in this country, possibly on both sides of the Border. Only last week 100 cattle were stolen from a farm in Kilbeggan in my constituency. It was not a case of “Beam me up, Scotty” and they disappeared overnight. They are stolen to order. I believe they have been sent to an illegal abattoir. We must be very careful of our good reputation in terms of food quality.

The Government must re-examine its decision to disestablish the 4th Western Brigade. Unlike my constituency colleague who spoke earlier, I do have concerns about the long-term future viability of Custume Barracks in Athlone. I am not scare-mongering. I have no short-term concerns about the barracks’ viability, but the long-term viability would be best served by the re-establishment of the 4th Western Brigade. In February of this year I asked the Minister about the permitted strength and number of units attached to the barracks. We know there has been a reduction from 12 units to eight units and the permitted strength has been reduced from more than 1,400 personnel to less than 1,000 personnel. That has happened by way of statutory instrument and as a result of the downgrading of the 4th Western Brigade.

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