§ 67. Mr. Maginnisasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are his plans for the future of the Royal Irish Rangers' regimental depot at Ballymena.
§ Mr. LeeThe Ministry of Defence is currently examining the whole of the Army's initial training organisation, and the training function at Ballymena depot naturally falls within the scope of the review. I am well aware of the arguments both for and against any move of training from Ballymena, and these will be taken fully into 501W account before decisions are made. There are no plans to move the regimental headquarters of the Royal Irish Rangers from Ballymena.
§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations have been held with those affected upon the future stationing, and training, of the Royal Irish Rangers; and if any further consultations are in prospect.
§ Mr. LeeNo formal consultations have taken place about the future stationing and training of the Royal Irish Rangers; their training requirement is currently being considered within the MOD in the context of a general review of the army's initial training organisation. Ministers have been made aware of arguments both for and against moving training from Ballymena, and these will be taken fully into account before decisions are made. There are no plans to move the regimental headquarters of the Royal Irish Rangers from Ballymena.