Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The problem is that the Deputy is trying to turn this into a political football. The Deputy should know, although he probably does not, that the approach towards the Reserve Defence Force has changed. We now have a one force strategy whereby the reserves train with Permanent Defence Force personnel so they can work with them should they be required to do so rather than having them operate in a separate structure and training separately from the Permanent Defence Force. It did not make sense to establish a training centre for the Reserve Defence Force when we want reservists training in active barracks to ensure they are integrated into the Permanent Defence Force in terms of functionality, use, training and professionalism.

We are the Department of Defence. Our job is to ensure the defence infrastructure of the country is right. If we have a barracks that is no longer in use for defence and military purposes, we need to work with all the stakeholders to find sustainable uses for it. However, we must work with local authorities to ensure it is consistent with what they are looking for locally, and this is happening.

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