asked the Minister for Defence what progress has been made in the installation of electricity power sockets and supply in married quarters; and the location of the quarters which will next receive attention.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Supply to Army Married Quarters.
30.
In introducing the Estimate for Defence on the 28th April, 1966, I intimated that substantial decreases in the works and stores subheads were a feature of the Estimate and that many desirable—even essential—works and projects had to be abandoned this year. The provision of power outlets in other ranks married quarters was one of the projects which had to be deferred.
It is the intention, however, to commence the scheme in the Eastern Command in the course of the financial year 1967-68.
Could the Minister indicate what progress will be made in the Eastern Command in the financial year 1967-68, and when work will commence? Will it be in March, 1968, or can the unfortunate wives of the soldiers in married quarters look forward, at least next winter, to being able to use electricity power sockets?
I am providing the necessary finance for that in the Estimate, and I assume the material and the skill will be available to carry out the work. I cannot say exactly when it will commence and I do not know how long it will take. The ESB has to give an estimate in relation to lead-in cables which also may have to be provided. I am unable to give the Deputy a definite answer on that point as yet.
I am sorry to harass the Minister but he must expect me to do so, since it took four years to make a little progress in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines. That progress would not have been made except for a considerable amount of harassment on this side, and we shall pursue this every two months from now on.