23 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will give an assurance that there will be no downgrading in status, or closure of the Army barracks in Fermoy or Ballincollig, County Cork in view of the social and economic problems that such action would cause if it was taken.

45 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to dispose of the Army Barracks in Fermoy and Ballincollig in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 45 together.

The Government have no plans to close any military barracks apart from Collins Barracks, Dublin. No downgrading of the status of Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, County Cork or Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, County Cork is intended.