Vol. 536 No. 2
65 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline Government policy regarding the closure and sale of military property, specifically his plans to close and sell parts of Gormanston Camp and airfield, County Meath for development; the reason this proposal was not included in the Defence White Paper or a review of the Air Corps conducted by consultants (details supplied) in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13972/01]
As the Deputy is aware, on 15 July 1998 the Government approved a programme of evacuation and the sale of six barracks which were considered surplus to military requirements. This decision is part of the relocation, refurbishment, and re-equipment of the Defence Forces as recommended in the context of the PricewaterhouseCoopers report regarding the rationalisation of military institutions generally.
It is expected that in excess of £50 million will be raised from the sale of the barracks. Most of the proceeds will be invested in the re-development of other military installations and new equipment.
There are in addition a number of other lands including Gormanston within the Defence portfolio which are located outside of the permanently occupied military barracks and posts. Casement Aerodrome is the principal base of the Air Corps. With the withdrawal of aircraft from Gormanston and the relocation of Air Corps headquarters to Baldonnel as outlined in the White Paper, the Air Corps has the basis for better management of its resources.
The Government has decided, in line with the White Paper on Defence, that a rigorous examination of the necessity for other property be examined and only those required for essential defence purposes will be retained. Those identified will be disposed of by sale or otherwise and the Government has approved that the proceeds, along with the revenue from the existing programme of barrack disposals, will be invested in the Defence Forces infrastructure and equipment.
Were the military authorities informed in advance of the Minister's announcement of the sale of lands at Gormanston? If so, when were they informed and who was informed?
The answer is yes. The Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff were informed.
Specifically, on what dates were they informed and the announcement made by the Minister?
I cannot be precise, but the announcement was probably made three weeks after they were informed. After the announcement, I met the local personnel to discuss my decision.
Was the Minister of State in the Department of Public Enterprise, Deputy Jacob, informed of the Minister's intention, and when did the Minister for Defence have discussions with him on the sale of the Gormanston lands before the announcement?
I discuss various issues with my Cabinet colleagues and Ministers of State touching on my portfolio. I do not recall a recent meeting on this one with the Minister of State, Deputy Jacob.
Will the Minister confirm that Deputy Jacob was not informed, and that the first he learned of this was when the Minister made the public announcement? Will he explain and reconcile Government policy in the context of the proposal of the Department of Public Enterprise for a flying school and civil commercial airline based at Gormanston? Deputy Jacob pushed this proposal while the Minister announced the selling of the lands and the Air Corps's move to Baldonnel.
Shame on the Minister.
Could he clarify if the Government's right hand knows what the left is doing, and what is the policy?
The Member does not understand. First and foremost, these are my responsibilities, and, second, my decision does not exclude any development for Gormanston.
Of course it does.
Is the Minister telling the House that the Air Corps will move to Baldonnel from Gormanston?
That was decided years ago.
That is the Minister's proposal. Is he telling the House that he is selling lands but that at the same time envisaging a flying school and second commercial airport at Gormanston?
Let us be clear. I have decided, with the military authorities' agreement, to dispose of the Gormanston lands. The military camp will be retained. The purpose for which the lands will be dedicated is to be decided. There will be proposals and options put before me, and others, before final decisions are taken. As far as I am concerned, I am not including or excluding any development of these lands. If I did not make this decision, nothing could happen. It would be the kind of paralysis that the Deputy is used to on that side of the House.
Am I correct in assuming that the possibility of these lands being used as Deputy Jacob publicly stated is not an issue on which the Government has made a decision? If the Minister is selling the land for housing, is Deputy Jacob's proposal impossible to implement? When will the Air Corps move to Baldonnel and what are the implications for training its members?
My discussions with the military authorities are to ensure that after the disposal of the lands alternative arrangements are made for training. I asked them to produce proposals on this and they agreed to do so. The use of the lands for aviation is a matter for the Department of Public Enterprise. I made a decision to sell supported by the military authorities. The funds will be for military purposes and what—
Has it been approved by the Government?
Of course it has been approved by the Government.
