FIANNA Fail is planning to increase the Naval Service by 30 per cent as part of a proposed increase in recruitment to the Defence Forces over the next four years.
The FF spokesman on defence, Mr Michael Smith, took the unusual step yesterday of indicating that Fianna Fail, in government, might be prepared to close barracks. He pointed out that management consultants had recommended the closure of eight barracks and accused the Government of hiding the truth about its intentions.
He added: "Fianna Fail, in government, when we complete our own analysis on this matter and aggregate all available information, will not be afraid to speak out our conclusions. Should any changes have to be made, Fianna Fail will ensure that the process is carried out with particular care and sensitivity."
Introducing its policy document on defence in Thurles, Co Tipperary, Mr Smyth said the party proposed a recruitment of 1,500 for the Defence Forces over the next four years. This would include an "additional" 300 recruits to the Naval Service, which has just under 1,000 members. He committed the party to upgrading and increasing the size of the naval fleet, which consists of seven ageing ships.
Mr Smith said the Government would purchase additional armoured personnel carriers for the Army, which currently has only two such vehicles.
Mr Smith said: "The serious problems which have been building up in our Defence Forces are fast reaching a point of crisis. The present Government seem blissfully unaware of the changes that are taking place. I am appalled at what I have seen over the past two years, the results of an underhanded, undercover approach that has left the forces in the dark about their future."