Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has regarding Defence property portfolio; and will make a statement on matter. [30162/10]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on matter. [30155/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 70 together. The Defence Forces property portfolio is kept under ongoing review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. This includes ongoing review of the organisation, structure and formation of the forces and the consequential requirement for military barracks and other properties.

The funding realised from the disposal of surplus property together with pay savings has provided resources for the modernisation of the Defence Forces and has been invested in new infrastructure, equipment and training area development. Any further properties that are considered surplus to military requirements will continue to be disposed of and the funding invested to meet the current and future equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces.

The question concerning the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks, along with the issue of any further consolidation throughout the Defence Forces as a whole, will be among the issues to be considered in the context of the Estimates process having regard to the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes.

Cathal Brugha Barracks is a significant military installation with a wide range of facilities, accommodation and storage depots and would be costly to replace. This must be factored into our consideration, especially in the current financial situation. Consideration must be given to the operational requirements of the Defence Forces and where personnel would be relocated as well. The recommendations in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government in the context of the Estimates and budgetary process. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I take the point the Minister has made, that is to say, he is not in a position to make any definitive statements at this stage. Will the Minister give an indication of his thinking? We may put forward the proposition that this is not the time to sell property and that the market is flat. On the other hand, if there were a case to be made on financial grounds to close or to cease to use a certain facility which would result in a recurrent saving, is it something the Minister would consider? I am not seeking details in any way. However, I wish to establish whether this is being considered in a serious way at the moment as a means of dealing with the Defence Forces property portfolio. Is consideration being given to dispose of or amalgamate properties and create a new situation whereby all activities would take place in one location and others would cease to operate?

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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If the only considerations were value for money, operational flexibility, management of resources and so on, there would be a compelling case for consolidation into a relatively small number of locations. However, other considerations arise with regard to deployment of the Defence Forces. Any move would have associated costs. A balance must be struck and consideration must be given to the point, made by Deputy O'Shea, that now might not be the most appropriate or propitious time to sell property.

On the other hand, the Department has an agreement with the Department of Finance that any proceeds would be retained by the Defence Forces and spent on new equipment or whatever is necessary.

Some positive stories have arisen from some of the places where property has become available. Local authorities, VECs and others have become very active, especially in town centre locations. A balance must be struck and I am in no way wielding the axe. One must take a common sense approach.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister prepared to take an imaginative and flexible approach whereby such properties might become available for local community needs and so on? Does the Minister not agree that many of these properties are located in towns which are of a strategic nature? There may be ways of proceeding other than selling properties for hard cash. It may be possible to enter into long lease agreements from which the Department would have an income. The tradition of the military could be recognised and maintained in some shape or form in some cases. Property could be used by the Reserve Defence Force at some future date and some modern buildings could be constructed where these older buildings are at present. Will the Minister consider a flexible and imaginative approach?

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I have held several meetings with community groups, local authorities and educational authorities with regard to some of these locations. I am well disposed to accommodating them where possible. I must be careful not to set a precedent which could be used against the Department's better interests, especially financially, with regard to some potential outcomes.

I am familiar with one case, which I have discussed with Deputy Stanton, in which it appears some of the suggestions he has outlined could be accommodated, for example, in terms of access to a building for the Reserve Defence Force. In the context of a White Paper, perhaps a different model will emerge for the Reserve Defence Force or the Permanent Defence Force. We should bear in mind all of these points because there is finality about disposing of property and sometimes one might rather such finality had not taken place ten years later.