asked the Minister for Defence whether electricity supply lines were installed in married quarters built in any barracks within the past ten years; and, if so, where.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Supply to Army Married Quarters.
32.
Electricity supply lines have been installed in all married quarters built by my Department in the past ten years.
Married quarters have been erected at the following locations: McKee Park, Dublin; Curragh Training Camp; Athlone; Cork and Naas.
33.
asked the Minister for Defence why members of the Defence forces are required to deliver mail to, and to inspect electricity meters in, married quarters in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin instead of having these services performed respectively by employees of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and the Electricity Supply Board.
34.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange to have the electricity meters in married quarters in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin read in two-monthly periods by inspectors of the Electricity Supply Board in order that occupants may be furnished with detailed bills; or if he will otherwise have detailed written statements furnished to all occupants.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
Members of na Buan-Óglaigh are required to deliver mail to the married quarters in Cathal Brugha Barracks because, under regulations of An Roinn Poist agus Telegrafa, postmen are not permitted to distribute mail within military barracks.
As the occupants of the married quarters are not direct customers of the Electricity Supply Board, it would not be appropriate to have the electricity meters in the quarters read by employees of the Board.
The question of furnishing detailed written statements, showing electricity consumption and the charges therefor, to the occupants of the quarters is being examined.
Having regard to the Minister's familiarity with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, can he say why the Department prohibit postmen from delivering the post at military barracks? Surely if Dublin Corporation workmen can empty bins at military barracks, it should be possible for postmen to deliver the post there without the personnel having their correspondence passed through censorship of officials?
There are very good reasons for not asking a postman to deliver the post in military barracks.
Would the Minister give the reasons? Is it a question of military security?
The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs might answer that question.
He might be able to make up an answer.