Vol. 553 No. 5
155 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the programme for Government's commitment to maintaining the Permanent Defence Forces at 10,500 will affect the numbers of personnel at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and his proposals to ensure the future of this barracks. [14553/02]
It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of continuous recruitment to the Defence Forces in the year 2002 to fill vacancies as required. The question of the allocation of personnel to Columb Barracks is a matter to be decided by the General Officer Commanding, Western Brigade, based on the operational commitments of the Brigade.
I have no plans to change the status of Columb Barracks, Mullingar.
