asked the Minister for Defence if he will make regulations providing for the payment of Army pensions to retired Army personnel at present living in married quarters at Arbour Hill Barracks who are unable to obtain housing accommodation elsewhere; and if he will take steps to ensure that alternative housing accommodation is available for any of these families who require other accommodation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing of Retired Army Personnel (Dublin).
All pensions, gratuities or moneys due to ex-soldiers who continue to occupy married quarters are withheld to cover the daily charge for overholding quarters as well as any amount which might be due to public funds for loss, damage or deficiencies in the quarters or furniture. The amount of the latter cannot be determined until the quarters have been vacated, and accordingly any money due cannot be paid while the irregular occupation continues. I am not prepared to amend the regulations in this regard.
The provision of alternative housing accommodation is a matter for the overholders themselves. I have sought sympathetic consideration for such of them as have applied for houses on Dublin Corporation housing schemes, and have secured an assurance that accommodation will be provided for those ex-service members whose number in family corresponds with the overcrowded category at present receiving attention.