I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 553 together.
Following the Government's decision to further consolidate Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations, four military barracks — Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar — will close on 30 March 2012. Military personnel at present occupied on security and support functions within these installations will be released for operational duties leading to an efficiency gain of around €5 million p.a. In addition, there will be direct cash savings of approximately €1.3m arising from utilities, maintenance and security duties allowances in the four barracks.
The Reserve Defence Force in each barracks will be provided with alternative rented accommodation prior to the closure of the barracks. This is a normal arrangement for Reserve Units in other locations around the country and consistent with how the previous Government dealt with the matter. The Department has 10 permanent rentals and 30 part time rentals in place including part time use of parish and community halls as well as some commercial premises. The total annual cost is less than €100,000 for all forty premises.
On this basis, it is simply absurd to contend that there is an economic argument for keeping a full barracks open to cater for a Reserve Unit that may only train for a few hours once or twice a week when alternative rented accommodation can be provided for a small fraction of the cost.
The closing date for receipt of tenders in respect of Cavan is 12 noon today. As this is a tendering process the Deputies will appreciate that it would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter.
