Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 September 2012
15. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if a cost benefit analysis was conducted into the substantial reduction in Defence Forces personnel, with particular reference to the towns in which barracks have been targeted for closure. [39526/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost savings accruing as a result of barrack closure are substantial and are particularly important as they enable the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in overall strength. Regarding the recent closure of the four military barracks - Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar - military personnel occupied on security and support functions within these installations have been released for operational duties leading to a manpower efficiency gain of around €5 million per annum. In addition, there are direct cash savings of approximately €1.3 million per annum arising from utilities, maintenance and security duty allowances in the four barracks.
As with previous rounds of consolidation under the Defence Forces modernisation programme barracks, once vacated, are being disposed of with the proceeds being used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure. Since the modernisation programme began sales of €84 million approximately from the sale of surplus properties has been reinvested in the Defence Forces.
The economic argument for consolidation within the Defence Forces has been proven over the years. The modernisation programme has produced a well trained, well equipped military organisation which despite the current financial constraints has shown itself to be well capable of meeting the roles laid down by Government both at home and abroad. The success of the modernisation programme is even more remarkable when viewed against the reduction in Defence Vote 36 expenditure from €879.8 million in 2008 to an estimated €688.4 million in 2012.
