Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As usual when one receives a response on an issue such as this, there is great detail in the response and it is difficult to absorb it all in a short period. I accept the Minister of State's statement that there are no plans to relocate B Company 27th Battalion. We have heard this before, but I have been hearing otherwise and I feel it is important to raise the issue.

The Minister of State has not said the same with regard to the bomb disposal team. In that regard, all he has said is that there are no plans to reduce the number of such teams in the Defence Forces. I believe that moving the bomb disposal team would be a retrograde step. I presume that from an operational point of view the team is located in Gormanston because it is so easy to get to the airport from there, and I believe it was moved to Gormanston originally to make it easier for it to do so in case of emergency. Gormanston is also a suitable location for dealing with the dissident threat along the Border area as it is conveniently located at a major motorway interchange.

Moving the team would also be a downgrading of the camp. The last Air Corps team was moved from Gormanston last year, an issue I raised here also. The Minister of State has not countered any of the rumours regarding the bomb disposal team moving on 28 February, although he countered the rumour regarding B Company 27th Battalion, which comprises more than 100 troops. These do fantastic work and most of them live between Balbriggan and Drogheda. They like the work they do in Gormanston and the atmosphere of the camp. Their family members tell me they are deeply concerned about proposed changes.

The Minister of State has said there is no change planned for the battalion, so we will take things as they come. I will be deeply disappointed if the bomb disposal team is moved. I have met the team in Gormanston and am highly impressed with its work. It would be a huge loss to east Meath and the area if the team was moved. It is a source of prestige in the area. Gormanston Camp is of major historical significance, both in the recent past and in our history. It has played a key role in protecting the State and the people at times of terrible strife in this country. For the mandarins and chiefs who may be listening, it would be a wrong and retrograde move for this to happen.