asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the disgraceful conditions the Gardaí have to endure at Kildrum checkpoint, County Donegal; and if he considers that the present caravan accommodation is adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Checkpoint Accommodation.
7.
I understand that the caravan provided at the checkpoint for the convenience of the gardaí on duty there is in need of repainting and of some minor repairs. Arrangements were made some weeks ago for the necessary work to be done and it is expected that it will be carried out shortly.
Is the Minister aware of the condition of this caravan, that there are no windows in it, and that inside is a total disgrace to any human? It is a two-berth caravan. I understand the Department of Justice are paying £1 a day to rent it. Is the Minister satisfied these are proper facilities for gardaí on 24-hour duty?
I am not aware that the caravan is in as bad a condition as the Deputy says. I understand it needs internal and external painting and that a step at the door needs replacement as does glass in one of the windows. These matters have been brought to the attention of the owner to have them repaired. The comfort of the men on duty is kept under consideration at all times. It may be decided, possibly, to replace the caravan by an Office of Public Works hut in the event of the owner not bringing the caravan up to a standard deemed satisfactory. It is not true to say that the conditions are as described by the Deputy.
I have seen this caravan myself. I inspected the inside of it. It is fit for the scrapheap only.
Order. We must proceed by way of question.
Is the Minister aware that there is not a window in the caravan?
I am not so aware.
I am informing the Minister now.
My information is that the glass in one of the windows needs replacement.
The glass in four windows need replacement. This is a very serious matter.
In the original reply the Minister mentioned painting only.
And minor repairs.
Would the Minister inform the House whether I am correct in saying the Department are paying £1 per day rental for this caravan?
That is the information I have.
Does the Minister consider a two-berth caravan, rented for £1 per day, with no glass in the windows, and with a door which he admits needs replacement, adequate for gardaí on 24-hour duty?
I said a step at the door needs replacement, not the door.
The door needs replacement as well. The interior decoration is a disgrace.
The Deputy is imparting information rather than seeking it.
Mr. Kitt
Is it the usual practice to paint caravans? I understood the normal practice was to replace them.
I am afraid I cannot say what the usual practice is with regard to the painting of a caravan as opposed to replacing it. I have no doubt if this caravan reaches such a condition that it is inadequate for the job steps will be taken to have it replaced rather than painting it.