Smith states committed to investment in Defence

The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, today said he remains committed to significant investment in infrastructure and equipment for the Defence Forces.

Mr Smith said he was determined to implement the recommendations contained in the White Paper for Defence, despite the Government taking "a more prudent line on public spending".

"Working in tandem with the military authorities, it is essential that commitments on a new Army organisation, an Integrated Personnel Management System and the Implementation Plan for the Reserve be fulfilled," he said.

Addressing 50 newly-graduated Army cadets at the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh, Co Kildare, the Minister said the new equipment investment programme "has been largely self-funded through payroll savings and the sale of property surplus to requirements".

One of these property disposals, the sale of the former Murphy barracks at Ballincollig, Co Cork, is the subject of a High Court hearing.

The lease holders claim that the property should revert to them under the terms of the existing lease. The case is being heard in the High Court before Mr Justice Kearns.

The Minister of Defence intends to sell the property to O'Flynn Construction for more than €40 million.