Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2012
514 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm plans to reduce the number of Army brigades to two; if he will outline the implications for Custume Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5545/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraArising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government decided to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. 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. I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration. This will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility. You will appreciate that in advance of receipt and consideration of the options available, from the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, I will not be in a position to answer detailed questions on possible outcomes. However, I can confirm that further barrack closures are not envisaged as part of this process.
515 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the current number of Army and civilian personnel based at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; the projected numbers following the completion of the closure of barracks in Cavan and Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5546/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently a total of 902 military personnel and 35 civilians based at Custume Barracks Athlone giving a total of 937. Based on the numbers of military and civilian personnel currently based in Cavan and Mullingar Barracks this could rise to 1,161 military personnel and 54 civilians once the closure of those barracks are complete.
516 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in each of the Permanent Defence Force and Reserve Defence Force Engineer Units; the corresponding figures for five and ten years ago; the location of each unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5547/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was not possible to provide the detailed information sought by the Deputy in the time available. My Department is currently seeking to compile the relevant data and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
