Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I welcome the commitment from Government to support the Bill and to ensure it is robust and legal. I pay tribute also to Senators Malcolm Byrne and O’Loughlin for bringing it forward. When I think of Óglaigh na hÉireann, I think of General Seán Mac Eoin. I am from Ballinalee in County Longford. The blacksmith of Ballinalee served in the War of Independence and went on to become Chief of Staff in the Irish Defence Forces. I think of all the men and women who served in Seán Connolly Barracks in my home town of Longford and in Columb Barracks in Mullingar throughout the years. Columb Barracks is closed but I am delighted that the Minister of State, Deputy Burke announced that a new electric vehicle management agency is going to be based in the barracks and will bring life back into it. I also think of Custume Barracks in Athlone and welcome the commitment I received from the Minister some months ago that it will be maintained and improved to serve our Defence Forces.