Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 March 2012
2Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence his plans to consolidate Defence Forces formations in to fewer locations; the timeframe over which this will occur; the properties he intends to sell as part of this; the locations he intends to rent as part of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14580/12]
View answerThe Department of Defence's property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources, having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. As the Deputy is aware, on 15 November 2011 the Government approved a proposal from the Minister for Defence to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations with the closure of the barracks in Clonmel, Mullingar, Cavan and Castlebar. 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 several years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue because releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength.
Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure, the Government decided that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force should be 9,500. In response to the revised strength ceiling, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force, has been initiated. This will encompass a reduction in the number of Army brigades from the current three to two. The primary focus of the re-organisation is to maintain operational outputs and capabilities to best effect, within a reduced strength.
The Minister has asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for consideration. These will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility. In advance of the receipt and consideration of the options available, it is not possible to answer detailed questions on possible outcomes. However, further barracks closures are not envisaged as part of this process.
The Reserve Defence Force in each of the four barracks being closed at the end of this month 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 is consistent with how the previous Government dealt with the matter.
Will the Minister of State indicate when the report will be finalised and presented to the Minister for Defence?
It is disheartening for the families of personnel in areas where barracks are closing to see advertisements in their local newspapers seeking to rent premises for the Reserve Defence Force. Representatives of a number of families have sought the publication of the feasibility studies we are told were carried out on the closure of the barracks. Will the Department release the studies and why are we closing barracks when we must then find alternative premises for the Reserve?
I understand the advertisements pertain to members of the Reserve Defence Force, or what used to be called the FCA. These are not full-time military personnel and as they train once or twice per week on average they do not have the same requirements for permanent accommodation. Where Reserve units are based in these towns they will be provided with space for training and other necessary activities. The advertisements placed in newspapers pertain to that issue.
The current strength of the Army is at the same level as in 1970. In the context of the requirements of a modern Army, this reallocation process makes best use of resources, notwithstanding the issues raised by Deputy O'Brien.
I will ask the Minister for Defence about the report to which the Deputy referred but I assume it ought to be available under the Freedom of Information Act.
While the personnel may be part-time, we will, nonetheless, be renting premises for them on a full-time basis. Was a cost-benefit analysis carried out on the potential savings to be made from closing the barracks compared to the cost of leasing long-term accommodation prior to the decision to close the barracks?
Some €84.98 million has been realised to date from the disposal of six barracks and part of another. The money is ring-fenced and returned to the Defence Vote as appropriations-in-aid. Under some of the major programmes, light tactical armoured vehicles, armoured APCs, two EC135 helicopters, six AW139 helicopters and two new offshore patrol vessels have been purchased. I believe €100,000 will be spent on the Reserve Defence Force. That frees up all the personnel who otherwise would look after barracks.
Will the Minister of State arrange to get that additional information to me?
I will.
