54 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence his plans to reduce the number of personnel engaged in barrack security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30619/01]

The matter of the deployment of Defence Forces personnel on barrack security duties is kept under constant review by the military authorities. I am advised that, in this regard, appropriate manning levels are deployed consistent with security requirements at any given time. In addition the use of modern surveillance technology has become an important element in providing security at many installations.