asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of how rents for married quarters are determined; if he has noted paragraph 833 of the Conroy Commission on Garda accommodation; if he accepts the criteria outlined in that paragraph; if, in these circumstances he considers that the Army rent is reasonable; and the reason rents were increased with effect from 3 December, 1980.
Written Answers. - Army Rents.
85.
The amounts deducted from the pay and/or allowances of men of the Permanent Defence Force who are in authorised occupation of married quarters erected prior to 1954 have not been increased since 1976 and may now be regarded as nominal.
The amounts deducted from the pay and/or allowance of men who are in authorised occupation of married quarters erected in 1954 and subsequently are reviewed annually by reference to the percentage increase in pay since the previous review. The current deductions are fair and reasonable for the accommodation.
The commission referred to by the Deputy was appointed solely in relation to the remuneration and conditions of the Garda Síochána. As regards the Defence Forces, the provision of housing is primarily a matter for the local authorities and married soldiers have an equal claim on such housing with other members of the community in the same income group.