On 15 January 2003, I approved, in principle, the report of the Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Board for the implementation of the recommendations of the special steering group on the reserve. The steering group, which I established to undertake a study of the reserve, reported to me in September 1999.
The steering group report proposed the amalgamation of the 18th infantry battalion with the 25th infantry battalion and as a consequence a reduction in the number of companies. I am aware that the general officer commanding the Western Brigade has proposed that the existing battalion headquarters located in Castlebar be replaced with a company headquarters and a rifle company.
As stated in previous statements the process of planning is being carried forward by the military authorities. I have no proposals at present to close any reserve Defence Force facility. However, no final decisions will be made until I have had the opportunity to examine and approve the final amalgamation proposals as a whole.