John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a lot of expectation and hope about what may come from the final report, which we all eagerly await. I hope that timeline can be adhered to. There is also concern over what may come about in terms of proposed reductions in the size of the Army, for example. There are concerns in that regard. The Minister's Cabinet colleague, Deputy Eamon Ryan, made comments yesterday about the potential closure of Cathal Brugha Barracks and a feasibility study, of which he already knows the outcome, that will see the closure of the barracks and the development of up to 1,000 residential units in their place. That has sent out a negative message to the Defence Forces, which are on their knees and concerned about their future and viability at a time we are talking about the closure of barracks. Does the Minister think the timing of that intervention by the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, was helpful? What kind of message did it send to the Defence Forces? Was it appropriate for the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to make those comments and announce a feasibility study before the final report has been produced, discussed and debated?

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