Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would not refer to those in the Defence Forces or the Department as mandarins. These people do extremely good work in difficult circumstances and in the difficult financial circumstances the country has been in over the past number of years.

As I stated in my response, the deployment of any EOD team is kept under regular review by the Defence Forces and their location is determined by operational demands, with the imperative being the ability to provide an immediate response to requests for EOD assistance from An Garda Síochána. I understand Gormanston's strategic location and that it is very close to Dublin Airport and Dublin City. However, the Department must keep under review the location of EOD teams. The location of other EOD teams cannot be disclosed for operational reasons and on security grounds. I understand the personnel based in the Gormanston Camp are very important to the local area.

I assure the Senator there are no plans to move B Company 5th Battalion, now B Company 27th Battalion, which is based in Gormanston. The location of EOD teams is kept under constant review by the Department. These teams are specifically for operational and security duties. I compliment the work that is done by all of the EOD teams and members of the Defence Forces who work on the ground and protect the State and its citizens on a daily basis.