Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Air Corps Unit Shutdown.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

420 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to close down the Air Corps Unit located at Gormanstown Military Camp, County Meath; the numbers by rank located there; the discussions, if any, he has had with PDFORRA or RACO on this matter; if so, the outcome of these discussions; the further plans, if any, he has to increase or decrease the overall military strength of the Permanent Defence Forces at Gormanstown Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6212/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

A major reform of the Defence Forces based on the report of the efficiency audit group is now taking place. On 5 March last the Government approved the plan drawn up by the implementation group, which was established to prepare a fully costed three year implementation plan covering phase 1 of this reform process.

The plan proposes the relocation of the Air Corps element currently located at Gormanston to Baldonnel. This proposal will be considered in the context of the overall reorganisation plan and the implementation group's recommendation that the Air Corps should be the subject of a special study to be carried out during the first phase of the plan. It is expected that this review will commence shortly. The question of the closure of Gormanston Camp, or indeed any other military installation does not arise. Besides the Air Corps, there are other Permanent Defence Force units located at Gormanston. It is not the practice, for security reasons, to give details of the numbers of personnel located in military installations.

From the outset of the review process there have been ongoing consultations with the representative associations on matters which come within the scope of representation. These consultations will continue throughout the course of the reform process.