Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, is here to reply to my matter which relates to the Department of Defence. This matter relates to the apparent unfair treatment of approximately ten members of the Air Corps based at Gormanston Camp. In 2001, the Air Corps was based in Gormanston and Baldonnel. However, following a restructuring process the section of the Air Corps based in Gormanston, County Meath moved to Baldonnel. Members of the Air Corps at that time were given the option of remaining at Gormanston Camp and in this regard were given a solemn commitment by the Government and their senior officers that they could remain at Gormanston Camp as long as they camp remained open. Approximately 28 to 30 of the Air Corps personnel at that time availed of that option. However, a result of retirements and so on that number has reduced to approximately ten.

I have been approached by many of the wives and families of the staff involved, who have huge concerns around this matter. Having visited some of the individuals concerned at the camp, some of whom I know personally, I am aware they are engaged in important camp administrative tasks. I acknowledge the current restructuring of the Defence Forces. However, in late August this year senior personnel from the Air Corps arrived at Gormanston Camp and announced that the remaining members of the corps there were to be relocated to Baldonnel. I understand that request to relocate to Baldonnel was subsequently nullified and then reinstated with a three month notice period given. As I understand it, the individuals concerned were told they would have to relocate to Baldonnel by 1 December next.

It is important to remember that upon being given the option to remain at Gormanston Camp the individuals concerned entered into many commitments, financial and personal, in the east Meath and south Louth areas, where many of them live. They have bought homes in these areas and have huge ties to there. They will find relocation to Baldonnel very difficult. It may be the case - I have not discussed this matter with any of the people who approached me - that they could take legal action in respect of this matter. I have copies of the documents provided to them at the time of their being given the option to remain in Gormanston Camp, from which it appears clear that these individuals should be able to remain at Gormanston Camp as long as it remains open. I believe the people concerned are being unfairly treated and will be faced with significant fuel bills if required to travel to and from Baldonnel. I do not believe this move should go ahead.

I ask the Minister to consider the letters given to these upstanding members of the Defence Forces over ten years ago, to examine the situation they are now in and to call on the Defence Forces to allow these people continue to carry out key tasks in operating the Gormanston Camp.