Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I second the Leader's proposal on the Order of Business. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Defence, Deputy Shatter, to come to the House to allay the fears expressed to me by a former Minister and Leader of this House, Mary O'Rourke, and Councillor Aengus O'Rourke about the future of Custume Barracks in Athlone, the headquarters of the 4th Western Brigade, incorporating the Engineer Corps, the Ordnance Corps, the Medical Corps and the Military Police Corps. Rumours abound in Athlone that the Government proposes to move these to Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin. This would be a major blow to Athlone, especially in view of the transfer of troops from Mullingar and Longford to Athlone. These may be only rumours, but rumours should be allayed as quickly as possible by the Minister.

I welcome yesterday's launch of an air ambulance service for the Athlone region, based in Custume Barracks. However, the Minister vetoed my attendance and that of all other Fianna Fáil and non-Government Deputies, Senators and councillors. It was the first time this has happened in my memory. As a former Minister of State, I invited every Fine Gael and Labour Party member to such events. This is a boycott.