asked the Minister for Defence if arising from his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 2 December 1980 he will (1) give a breakdown of the accommodation under the following headings: (a) the number of rooms, (b) the houses with bathrooms, (c) houses with indoor toilets, (d) houses with outdoor toilets and (e) houses without hot water; and (2) indicate the houses which are unsuitable and in need of replacement in the next ten years; if he will give full details of who is responsible for maintenance and state how often houses are inspected; and (3) if he will also give details of (a) the number of houses expected to be required in or being planned for the next ten years and (b) the rent element in the pay for married or single personnel or whether there is any rent allowance.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Housing.
The information requested at (1) of the question is being compiled and will be communicated to the Deputy when available.
It is not possible to indicate the precise number of married quarters which are unsuitable. A considerable number of the quarters erected prior to 1954 are regarded as unsuitable and it is intended that these will be replaced by modern dwellings as resources permit.
The construction of 12 new dwellings at Cathal Brugha Barracks is expected to commence soon. Planning is at present being undertaken for 130 more married quarters at other locations. The number of dwellings which will be built during the next ten years cannot be predicted; it will depend to a large degree on the capital allocations made available each year for the purpose.
Married quarters are inspected periodically by or on behalf of the officer commanding the barracks. Maintenance works are carried out by the Corps of Engineers or by outside contract.
The pay rates of all ranks of the Defence Forces are consolidated inclusive rates. There is no identifiable rent element in these pay rates. A rent allowance, as such, is not payable.
282.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the following in relation to the Defence Forces: (a) the number of quarters available for single personnel, with a breakdown of the numbers built prior to 1920 and in each ten year period since then; (b) the amount charged for such accommodation, the criteria used for setting rents, when rents were last reviewed and how often they are reviewed; (c) the plans, if any, to replace or improve this accommodation; (d) if personnel have to pay for food or rations while on duty and, if so, if he will give details; and (e) if he is satisfied that members who are operating away from base, particularly members on security or checkpoint duty, are adequately catered for with hot meals and if he has received any complaints about this matter.
The information requested at (a) of the question is being compiled and will be communicated to the Deputy.
The position in regard to the other matters is as follows:—
(b) The amounts deducted from the pay of members of the Permanent Defence who occupy single quarters are as follows: second-lieutenants on appointment, 40p a day; second-lieutenants during their second year in rank, 53p a day; other officers, 64p a day; non-commissioned officers and privates, 24p a day.
These charges, which are regarded as somewhat nominal by comparison with the general level of rental charges, were initially determined many years ago by reference to such considerations as the military exigencies and the question of what might be regarded as an equitable charge in the case of personnel living in barracks. The charges are reviewed on the occasion of the application of general increases to the pay of the Defence Forces. They were last reviewed in November, 1980, in the context of the application of the first phase of the agreement on pay policy, 1980, in the second national understanding.
(c) There is a continuing programme for the provision of improved living accommodation for single personnel. New billets have recently been provided at a number of locations and are under construction at others. Existing billets are being improved, where practicable, by dividing large rooms into cubicles, the provision of individual bedhead lighting, installation of central heating and improvements to sanitary and ablution facilities.
(d) Members of the Defence Forces in receipt of rations, the majority of whom are single personnel living in barracks, are, in general, liable to a deduction at the current rate of £1.22 a day from their pay in respect of such rations. Provision is made for exemption from this deduction in certain circumstances. For example, married personnel who receive rations when on temporary duty away from their normal stations or when on seagoing duty aboard ship are exempted from the deduction. In certain exceptional circumstances in which the issue of rations is not feasible subsistence allowance at the appropriate rate is paid.
(e) Hot food in proper containers is supplied to troops on prolonged duties away from base. In other circumstances (for example, check points or patrol of short duration) catering is arranged so that hot meals are ready on return to barracks. No complaints have been received in this matter.