329 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Defence the reason the clothing account is being withdrawn from the 18th Battalion in Mayo to the centralised depot in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8907/97]

The withdrawal of the clothing account from the 18th Infantry Battalion in Mayo is part of the rationalisation of clothing stores, which is being carried out as part of the defence forces review implementation plan. This rationalisation is aimed at reducing the number of stores, but increasing the quality of service to Defence Force personnel.