Vol. 485 No. 3
27 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence whether he will reject aspects of the Price Waterhouse report which may have suggested the closure of military installation throughout the country; his views on the need to ensure the ongoing enhancement of military facilities including maintenance of barracks and replacement of certain facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23032/97]
52 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the Government policy in relation to barrack closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15131/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 52 together.
The question of the accommodation requirements of the Defence Forces will be considered within the context of the Defence Forces review-implementation plan. An examination of barrack requirements will only take place at the end of the three-year phase one implementation period. No decision has been taken in relation to the closure of any barracks other than Collins Barracks, Dublin.
The Department has for some years been pursuing a programme of building, construction and refurbishment to provide the Defence Forces with accommodation suitable to the needs of a modern military organisation. Since 1993 about £38 million has been provided in capital moneys and a further £19 million has been expended on non-capital repairs, renewals and maintenance.
