THE Labour Party has hinted that some Army posts might face closure under a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces which it proposes to implement if it is returned to Government.
The party says, if elected, it will publish a white paper on all aspects of defence and civil defence within six months, and nine months after this it will present a new Defence Act to the Oireachtas.
Among the proposed changes in a policy document on Defence issued by the party yesterday are the posting of military attaches to Irish embassies in Argentina, Egypt, the United States Britain and Germany.
The party also proposes a major change of the military recruitment structure to ensure that 20 per cent of all commissions to officer rank are awarded to suitable non commissioned officers. At present, induction into the officer ranks is through the cadet system and only around 30 NCOs are commissioned in classes every second or third year.
The Labour Party is also seeking to reduce the age profile of the Defence Forces. It says that "not later than aged 39", each commissioned officer will be provided with a career evaluation.
It also proposes the establishment of a new First Line fighting force which will be mobilised annually with its parent units. Recruitment to this force will be restricted to soldiers under the age of 39.
Its policy statement on the issue of barracks closures says the party fulfilled its "commitment with regards to retention of barracks" while in office.
It adds: "A particular concern relates to the future redeployment of troops to areas of greater concentration and so fulfilling the mission assigned to the Defence Forces.
"The Labour Party are conscious that there are a number of dimensions to troop redeployment and rationalisation of infrastructures.
"There will be a significant impact on the individual member of the Defence Forces, his family, the unit, the local community in a social context and providers of services.
"It would be idle to suggest that the current deployment of troops over so many posts can continue, in particular in relation to the dissipation of skills involved and the service, is required to resource them.
Its policy document includes further commitments to increased recruitment, training and spending on equipment.