Vol. 473 No. 3
261 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence whether the board which has been convened in the Curragh, County Kildare, to oversee the amalgamation of the 3rd and 30th battalions, has been instructed to work on the assumption that the new battalion headquarters will be based initially in the Curragh Camp and eventually in McGee Barracks, Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25027/96]
262 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence whether the establishment of battalion headquarters for the amalgamated 3rd and 30th Battalions will effectively downgrade Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny and its management in view of the fact that all decisions will then be made in Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25028/96]
263 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence whether the battalion headquarters will remain in Kilkenny; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25029/96]
264 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence whether he will guarantee the position of Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny; whether current staffing levels will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25030/96]
265 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for the future development of facilities at Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny; the provision, if any, which has been made in the Estimates for future developments at the barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25031/96]
266 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, which have been taken by his Department to consult with officers and soldiers' representative groups, among others, on the future of Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny, in view of the Government's promises on openness and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25032/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261, 262, 263, 264, 265 and 266 together.
The Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan, which was approved by the Government in March this year, sets out the measures which will be undertaken during the years 1996-98 to restructure and reorganise the Defence Forces.
The plan envisages the amalgamation of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the 30th Infantry Battalion, both part of the Curragh Command. The question of the location of individual units etc., will be addressed gradually as the plan progresses. I have received no proposals from the military authorities to date regarding this matter. However, there will be no compulsory relocation of personnel.
