asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that furniture is sent from Collins Barracks, Cork, and other military stations in the Southern Command to Dublin to be repaired; and, if so, whether he will consider having this carried out in future in Cork where there is an ample supply of skilled operatives idle, many of whom served in the Army and Auxiliary Defence Forces during the emergency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Army Furniture.
I am aware that furniture requiring major repairs is sent from all military stations to the central workshop at Portobello Barracks, Dublin, which is the only one equipped to carry out such repairs. This practice has been in operation since the establishment of the State.
At Collins Barracks, Cork, as at other command headquarters, a cabinet-maker and a sempstress are employed to carry out minor repairs. I am not satisfied that the establishment of a major repair workshop at Collins Barracks, Cork, would be warranted.
Does the Minister consider it fit that cabinet-makers in Cork who served in the emergency in the Army and auxiliary forces should be walking around the streets idle while this work, which could be very easily carried out in Cork, is being sent to Dublin?
I am not aware that cabinet-makers are walking about the streets idle. I am aware, however, that the same arrangement for catering for the repair of furniture is in being now as has been in being for the last 25 years.
Sixteen years.
Twenty-five years. Of course, 16 years has gone to your head. It has been found satisfactory and has been adopted by three successive Governments.