Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment to the Order of Business.

I refer to the Army barracks issue. Serious rumours circulated last weekend about the closure of barracks in the Longford-Westmeath area. Attention was paid to the closure of the barracks in Longford. I will formally warn the Government that closing the barracks in Longford town on the grounds of collecting money from the sale of real estate, the price of which is at an all-time low, would be a foolhardy and fire brigade action. Will the Minister for Defence appear in the House to discuss his proposals on barracks and their closure? The Mullingar and Longford economies would be severely affected were their barracks to be downgraded or closed. Will the Leader arrange for the Minister to discuss this serious issue? Athlone's economy depends entirely on its Army barracks.

I join Senator Leyden in asking that the State intervene and look after soldiers in Chad this Christmas.