Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would have been great to retain Defence Forces numbers at 11,500 but the Senator is very much aware of the current economic climate. We made a commitment to hold Defence Forces numbers at 9,500, and I am not sure if the Senator is aware of the recruitment that has taken place in the past few months. He failed to mention it.

Communication lines were open with the military personnel involved in the reorganisation, and everybody was well informed about the decision and had time to think about the relocation. I spoke to many personnel over the past number of months or weeks who have had to relocate and took that decision. We applaud the service given to the military but this decision will not be postponed. The military has provided every opportunity for consultation and the lines of communication have been open in the past few months. Everybody is aware of the reasons we are making these decisions.

I regret that some families and personnel are upset but that is the nature of the beast. We cannot wave a magic wand and fix the economic problems we inherited from the last Government. That is the unfortunate position.