Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It replaced the existing under-strength units with a smaller number of full strength units, achieved a reduction in the number of headquarters and brought about the associated redeployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units. As a result, the operational capacity of the Defence Forces has been maintained to the greatest extent possible within the available resource envelope and this has led to an impressive improvement in the deployment and sustainability of the Defence Forces at home and overseas.

The emphasis must remain on maximising operational capacity and not on headquarters structures. It should be noted that no member of the Defence Forces is exclusively or permanently based in any one location. There is a constant through-flow of personnel into and out of their assigned barracks to other barracks. This occurs because military service involves personnel moving into and out of particular postings as they serve at home and overseas and receive training and undergo educational and career development courses. As a result of the reorganisation, there are now more troops stationed in barracks along the west coast. There are now more personnel stationed in Donegal, Galway and Limerick. However, I recognise that there have been issues regarding personnel travelling between barracks and I am working with the military authorities to minimise this.

I restate the Government’s commitment to Custume Barracks, Athlone. Since 2009, more than €6 million has been invested in the barracks. Following the reorganisation, the establishment strength was maintained at around 1,000 personnel. Last year, a €2 million project for the planned refurbishment of the kitchen and dining hall complex in the barracks was announced. This went to tender and work on the design is ongoing. It is planned to provide a permanent base for an aeromedical service, which is currently operating from a temporary structure in Custume Barracks. This will involve the construction of a suitable hangar facility. This project is a priority for me and I am working with my officials on it. It is my intention to get it to design-tender stage by the end of the year. However, this is a joint service with the Department of Health and the HSE, and all parties must be involved in the project.

At the beginning of my contribution I mentioned members of the Reserve who give valued service to the Defence Forces. Last week, in reply to parliamentary questions, and recently in committee, I outlined my work with the military authorities to get more people inducted into the Reserve.

Regarding Brexit, it does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or for Ireland’s continuing engagement within the European Union in the Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP. The outcome of the negotiation process will be considered in the context of existing structures and relationships to ensure the Defence Forces continues to fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government. I assure the House that the Government is committed to funding the Defence Forces and equipping them to do their duties safely and effectively. We are doing this through continued investment, engagement with other countries on an international basis and continued recruitment to the Defence Forces, which we have done even in the most difficult of times.

The White Paper on Defence provides the framework from which we will continue to develop and enhance the Defence Forces in the next decade.

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