Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are no plans to reopen any of the barracks that were closed during the recent reorganisation of the Defence Forces. I absolutely take the Deputy's comments on board but while the purpose of the Defence Forces is to protect the security of the State, it would be totally irresponsible to say that they have a role to play such as that suggested by the Deputy. The role of Defence Forces is to aid the civil power and assist An Garda Síochána. I do not believe that bringing members of the Defence Forces out on to the streets for security reasons would help in that regard; it would do quite the opposite. An Garda Síochána is doing a very fine job.

See this speech in context