Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

He was not a native of Cavan, unfortunately, but I would be glad to assist Senator Norris with whatever proposal he has in that regard.

While addressing the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in this Chamber on Monday last, the Taoiseach, in response to a question posed, stated that the dissident republican and loyalist paramilitaries continued to pose a real threat not only to Northern Ireland, but to this State. This is the same Taoiseach who presided over a Government decision to close Dún Uí Néill Army barracks in Cavan town just over a month and a half ago. I wish to propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Defence, Deputy Alan Shatter, come into the House today to outline the reason Dún Uí Néill barracks, the most economical barracks under the jurisdiction of the forces here and the most economical barracks in Europe, costing a little over €250,000 a year to run, was closed. Why did the Government take the decision to close this barracks while it knows that a significant threat remains? This threat has even been outlined by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland. Why did the Government take a decision to close a modern Army barracks located just eight miles from the Cavan-Fermanagh Border?