Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 634: To ask the Minister for Defence if there are any plans to reduce the number of personnel based at Dún Ui Mhaoilíosa, An Rinn Mhór, Gaillimh; if it is intended to maintain the Céad Cathlán at full strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36200/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government stabilised the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. In response, I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces both permanent and reserve. It is not viable to retain a three brigade structure within a strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel. Accordingly, the re-organisation encompasses a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from the current three to two. Details of the re-organisation were announced by me earlier this week in a press release published on the Department of Defence website. This clarified the position with regard to An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe, which is retained as a full infantry battalion in the new organisational structure for 9,500 personnel.