asked the Minister for Justice if he will give a portion of the Garda barracks in Edward Street, Limerick, not required by the Garda authorities to the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen to be used as a rest home for the homeless ex-servicemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Ex-Servicemen's Accommodation.
13.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they do not consider that it would be feasible to share the accommodation available in Edward Street, Garda Station, Limerick as is suggested in the question.
The Garda barracks in Edward Street, Limerick is finished. It has been replaced by a new barracks on Oxford Road. Would it not be appropriate to give the old building to the Organisation of National ex-Servicemen rather than leave it to be torn apart by vandals?
I can understand the Deputy's point of view but he is not correct when he says that the Garda Station in Edward Street is finished. I understand that there is a continuing Garda presence there and that it is hoped to have it there for a considerable period of time. I appreciate the Deputy's concern to help get accommodation for the national ex-servicemen but this building would not be available to them. I suggest that because the case of the ONE is as good as it is, perhaps the Deputy would look elsewhere.
Would the Minister agree that the people referred to in Deputy Clohessy's question are people who have given long public service and are effectively institutionalised and that having left that institution have nowhere to be cared for even by their own organisation? Possibly the question should be directed to the Minister for Defence rather than the Minister for Justice.
I should say that no request has been received from the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen for use of the building as suggested in the original question. I am just saying what the position is right now with regard to the premises in Edward Street which is being used by the Garda Síochána at present.
Will the Minister confirm that it is the intention to retain some gardaí in Edward Street and that at least part of that building will be retained as a permanent station?
It is my intention that the Garda will be in Edward Street. I have not heard of any final decision by them on this but assurances have been given by me and by my two immediate predecessors that there will be a Garda presence in Edward Street. Having regard to that commitment, I would think that the Garda presence is likely to be there for a considerable time.
I am glad to hear that because the residents of that area are very keen that it would not close as a station.
There was a decision conveyed to the Garda with regard to maintaining a Garda presence in Edward Street station in Limerick, not on a full 24 hour basis, but for the hours that would be appropriate. I have every intention of seeing to it that that decision is carried out.