Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I also welcome the Minister who is one of the few Ministers who personally attends this Chamber to deal with issues relating to his Justice or Defence briefs.

In 1990 the Army moved from the longest occupied barracks in Europe to the new purpose-built Dún Uí Néill Barracks in Cavan town. These are the only barracks to be purpose-built and designed by the Defence Forces since the foundation of the State and are in an important geographic location along the border with Northern Ireland. In recent weeks rumours have been circulating that this strategic base is being considered for closure by the Government. This cannot be allowed to happen. Dún Uí Néill barracks is the most economic in the country, costing less than €200,000 per year to run, which includes maintenance, utilities, electricity, heating and transport fuel.

As well as serving the State as an aid to civil power, the Army based in Cavan has shown great commitment to the community it lives among. Its state-of-the-art gymnasium and other sporting facilities are regularly used by county teams as well as other local football and sports clubs. Senior citizens are facilitated regularly as well as at Christmas time each year. The local Youthreach project participates in a two week training programme during the summer months. The Army also assists groups in fund-raising and facilitates weekly church services. The support it gave to the local emergency services during the bad weather of recent winters was immeasurable.

Some 120 soldiers from A Company 6th Battalion of the western command currently occupy the barracks. This number can increase from time to time as the barracks is regularly used as a training facility. If needed it can accommodate up to 300 personnel at any given time. The Reserve Defence Force plays an important role in supporting the regular Army in this country and there is a full-time company of 120 men and women in the force in Cavan.

To close Dun Uí Néill makes no sense. The impact such a closure would have on the soldiers, their families and the community of Cavan, not to mention the €3 million that would be lost to the economy of Cavan, would be immeasurable. This cannot be allowed to happen and I look forward to a favourable reply in this regard.