Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A couple of points arise and there are some major contradictions in the Minister of State's comments. He indicated that vacancies would be given within current locations where feasible but says there are no vacancies in Gormanston. He mentioned the possibility of a review of the decision but that was not brought to my attention by the wives and family members who approached me. I do not believe they are aware of that. What are the details of the review procedure outlined in the speech and will the Minister of State make them available to the members of the Irish Air Corps? Will the decision to move them be postponed while they avail of the review procedure?

The Minister of State indicated his sorrow about what is happening, mentioning that it is terrible, but he does not indicate that these people have a contractual arrangement with the Defence Forces, which has been torn up by the Government. The Government and the Defence Forces are putting themselves in legal jeopardy. It is a matter for the men and their families and I will not comment on it on their behalf. Nevertheless, it seems that the Government is exposed to certain risk. The Minister of State indicates that the Defence Forces are not immune to the cutbacks but they are not immune to the law either. The law should be upheld and this process should be postponed. At the very least, the people involved should be given the opportunity to apply for a review of the decision.

The personnel involved are performing important security and administrative tasks in the camp. It is further evidence that the Government wants to downgrade Gormanston that it wants to move these personnel. We know that by moving them to Baldonnel, it will not pay many of them to travel to work. It is very unfortunate and the State is not showing loyalty to these men who have given the State such loyal service for many years.