Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of the army barracks closed in 2012; the future closures he has planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39459/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Minister for Defence has previously outlined to the House the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength. As with previous rounds of consolidation under the Defence Forces modernisation programme, once barracks are vacated they are disposed of. The proceeds are used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure.

Since the announcement of the Government decision on barrack closures, the Department of Defence has written to each Government Department and various agencies and local authorities seeking expressions of interest in acquiring any of the properties to benefit the local community. As a result agreement has been reached with Mayo County Council for the purchase of Mitchell Barracks Castlebar. The Council has already taken over the property under a caretaker agreement pending full completion of the necessary legal paperwork to complete the transfer of Title.

There have also been discussions between officials from the Department and a number of other State agencies in relation to the sale of Kickham Barracks Clonmel. These discussions are still ongoing and it is expected that an announcement in relation to Cavan Barracks will be made shortly. Some discussion has also taken place in relation to Mullingar Barracks. However no substantial progress has been made towards achieving a sale. I can assure you that every effort will be made to dispose of the barracks so as to maximize the benefits to the local community. I can also advise the House that there are no plans for additional barrack closures.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Defence if a cost benefit analysis was conducted into the substantial reduction in Defence Forces personnel, with particular reference to the towns in which barracks have been targeted for closure. [39526/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The cost savings accruing as a result of barrack closure are substantial and are particularly important as they enable the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in overall strength. Regarding the recent closure of the four military barracks - Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar - military personnel occupied on security and support functions within these installations have been released for operational duties leading to a manpower efficiency gain of around €5 million p.a. In addition, there are direct cash savings of approximately €1.3m per annum arising from utilities, maintenance and security duty allowances in the four barracks.

As with previous rounds of consolidation under the Defence Forces modernisation programme barracks, once vacated, are being disposed of with the proceeds being used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure. Since the modernisation programme began sales of €84m approx from the sale of surplus properties has been reinvested in the Defence Forces.

The economic argument for consolidation within the Defence Forces has been proven over the years. The modernisation programme has produced a well trained, well equipped military organisation which despite the current financial constraints has shown itself to be well capable of meeting the roles laid down by Government both at home and abroad. The success of the modernisation programme is even more remarkable when viewed against the reduction in Defence Vote 36 expenditure from €879.8M in 2008 to an estimated €688.4m in 2012.