Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2015
27. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked 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]
View answerThe 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.
