asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the total number of soldiers whose service with the Army has terminated, but who are still living in married quarters through inability to find alternative housing accommodation, distinguishing between those who have given (a) ten years' service; (b) ten years' service but less than 15 years; (c) 15 years' service and upwards; and the total amount of the moneys withheld from these men by reason of their inability to leave married quarters; and whether he is taking any steps to assist such men to get alternative accommodation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Married Ex-Soldiers' Accommodation.
There are seven discharged soldiers still living in married quarters. The total amount of credits withheld from them to meet charges for overholding quarters is £594 14s. 4d.
There are also two widows of deceased soldiers who are still occupying married quarters and from whom credits totalling £76 15s. 8d. are withheld.
All of these soldiers, including those deceased, had rendered more than 15 years' service.
I have been in communication with the Minister for Local Government and Public Health and with the City Manager, Dublin Corporation, in regard generally to the problem of providing alternative housing accommodation for occupants of married quarters in military barracks, and discussions in this connection are still proceeding. I am informed, however, that in the allocation of the limited accommodation available in municipal housing schemes, prior consideration must be given to certain categories of persons other than married members of the Defence Forces.