Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that adequate training facilities and services are available to the Army, Naval Services and Air Corps even in the present economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14540/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces maintains a wide portfolio of training facilities. The portfolio includes class rooms and lecture halls throughout the Defence Forces' Barracks and Schools, tactical training lands, and firing ranges. Sufficient resources are made available on an annual basis to ensure that these facilities are both maintained in proper working order and developed to meet future requirements. The infrastructure of class rooms and lecture halls is equipped to a standard laid down by the military authorities and is adequate to meet the Defence Forces' immediate and foreseeable requirements.

The tactical field training requirements of the Defence Forces are met through a network of field training areas in the Glen of Imaal, Kilworth, Bere Island, Kilbride and other smaller dedicated training areas. The accommodation facilities in these training areas are maintained and upgraded in accordance with prioritised plans to ensure that they continue to meet Defence Forces needs.

The Defence Forces also operate a network of firing ranges to exercise individual and collective weapon skills. These ranges are maintained and developed on an ongoing basis in accordance with international military standards and are adequate to meet the Defence Forces needs. It should be noted that Defence Forces firing ranges are also used by An Garda Síochána to practice weapons handling skills.