Written answers
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Department of Defence
Defence Forces Reorganisation
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Minister for Defence his views that the disestablishment of the 4th Western Brigade in 2012 has had a negative social impact on rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34448/15]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force in 2012 consolidated under-strength Units into a smaller number of full strength Units, within a revised two Brigade Structure. This has ensured that the Permanent Defence Force can continue to deliver the required operational outputs, within the available resources . The White Paper on Defence has confirmed the Government’s commitment to retain a PDF strength of at least 9,500 personnel and the continued retention of the Army’s two Brigade structure. The re-organisation did not reduce the numbers of PDF personnel that were serving in locations within the former 4th Western Brigade area and I do not believe that it negatively impacted on rural Ireland. I look forward to further developing the capabilities of the Defence Forces and to ensuring that it remains an organisation that reflects the rich diversity of Irish society.
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