asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made during the last 12 months to provide proper accommodation for the Defence Forces serving on border duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Accommodation.
30.
During the last 12 months various proposals have been implemented to improve accommodation for members of the Defence Forces serving on Border duty.
Accommodation was augmented by the acquisition of new premises at Lifford and Manorhamilton and, in addition to the premises acquired, extra accommodation has since been built at Lifford and improvement works have been carried out at Manorhamilton. Other building works completed in the past 12 months include the erection of three billet buildings at Castleblayney and four billet buildings at Connolly Barracks, Longford.
Among the works in progress are improvements to dining and recreational accommodation at Castleblayney and various improvements at Finner Camp, Rockhill House and Ballyconnell. Further works planned but not yet commenced include: (1) additional billet accommodation at Finner Camp and improvements to dining and cooking facilities there, (2) the installation of central heating in Rockhill House, (3) extensions to the dining and canteen facilities at Connolly Barracks, Longford and (4) the construction of a new military barracks at Monaghan and major building works at Dundalk on which I have commented in my reply to the previous questions.
The Minister mentioned Monaghan in his reply. That is something that will come about in years to come. Now that there have been some improvements carried out, can I take it absolutely that they will continue, that the improvements will continue to be processed?
I did not hear the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that the improvements he has carried out were much desired? The Minister has mentioned Monaghan again, despite the fact that that is a long way into the future. What I am saying is that at present it is desirable to proceed as quickly as possible.
I have given the Deputy details of all that has been done and also of what is planned to be done.