O’Dea calls a halt to closure of Army barracks
Speaking at PDFORRA’s annual conference in Donegal, he said while he was not long enough in the job to give assurances, he thought it was now time to take stock.
“We have reached a certain stage now in closures and the sale of property. I think it’s time maybe to pause for a while and reflect and see what we can do.
“But I have no present plans to close any further barracks.”
Delegates have expressed concern regarding the future of some barracks, including Rockhill in Donegal. Six barracks have already been closed in the country under modernisation plans.
Mr O’Dea said the money raised from the sale of barracks would not replace funding from Government.
He said this money was separate from budgetary funding and would be used to provide the force with better equipment.
He told the conference in Letterkenny that close to €1 billion would be spent on defence this year.
Mr O’Dea said three-quarters of this went on pay, allowances and pensions.
He said over €174m had been spent on upgrading barracks’ accommodation and facilities over the past seven years.
Responding to calls from PDFORRA for him to review the 12-year contract of employment, introduced in 1994 and due to run out in 2006, he said PDFORRA had agreed to the contract.
“I am surprised that this arose in the last few days. This was done by agreement with PDFORRA. People who have enlisted since 1994 did so on that basis.”
He said the service rule was brought in to lower the age profile of the force and enable better promotion prospects.
Regarding allegations by PDFORRA that a local representative was being victimised by a superior because he raised complaints of bullying, Mr O’Dea said he had no information on the claim.
He said that any such officer would be very foolish as there was now an independent Ombudsman in place, which could investigate such matters.
Legislation establishing the office of the Ombudsman went through its final stages in the Seanad on Wednesday.
