Written Answers. - Defence Forces' Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
38
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
whether the quality of accommodation available to the Permanent Defence Forces is comparable to that available to their EC counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:
55
Proinsias De Rossa
asked the
Minister for Defence
if, in respect of accommodation for Defence Force families, he will outline the number of living units which do not have an indoor toilet; if, in respect of single members living in Defence Force accommodation, he will further outline (a) the average number of persons per toilet and (b) the average number of persons per shower; if his attention has been drawn to claims made at the recent PDFORRA conference that 70 per cent of military accommodation was sub-standard; if he will confirm the steps he intends to take to upgrade such accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 55 together.
The quality of the accommodation being provided in barracks for single personnel of the Permanent Defence Force in recent years is of a high standard. An example of this accommodation is the new barracks, Dun Uí Néill, in Cavan. Further examples of improved facilities being provided are at Finner Camp, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dun Uí Mhaoilísa, Galway and Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick.
Where accommodation in use is not up to the required standard, steps are being taken to improve it progressively within the limits of the resources available for the purpose. There is no rent charged for this type of accommodation now. I am conscious of the necessity to have satisfactory accommodation available for all members of the Defence Forces. I have asked that it will receive the priority it merits in my Department.
As regards married personnel the provision of housing is primarily a matter for local authorities. Members of the Permanent Defence Force and their families have an equal claim on such housing with other members of the community in the same income category. My Department are satisfied that local authorities afford every consideration to such personnel.
A considerable number of married quarters have been sold to their occupants in recent years. The remaining quarters are inspected by the corps of engineers with a view to ensuring that they are maintained adequately and improvements made as circumstances permit. A small number of older type quarters, many of which are lacking in some modern facilities, are not re-allocated when vacated by their occupants.
In the Defence Vote for 1992 a sum of £8 million is provided for military accommodation requirements. This amount is being spent on new and improved accommodation at McKee and Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; Collins Barracks, Cork; the Naval Base, Haulbowline; Finner Camp, County Donegal and the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, as well as on the general upkeep of all barracks.
