Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank both Deputies for their remarks. I accept what Deputy Smith said about the role of our military in protecting the State, especially against the shocking violence over the 30-year period from the late 1960s to the nineties. I read a book recently, written by Ronan McGreevy and Tommy Conlon, about the kidnapping of Don Tidey, when a private and a garda lost their lives. It illustrates the role of our Defence Forces at that time as an aid to the civilian power. Those were dark days.

The point on recruitment is very valid. It is clear that in the closure of some barracks throughout the country, we lost an element of a recruitment tradition. Many towns throughout the country had a particular military tradition, which resulted in a significant number of recruits into the Army and military. I see that when I do a review of those going to Lebanon and so on. You get the history of families whose fathers and grandfathers served in the Irish forces with great pride and a great sense of local commitment and connection with our military. Barracks did provide that connection. I will bear that in mind. Likewise with Deputy Durkan's points - that review is under way.

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