Vol. 495 No. 5
80 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that the members of the 4th field supply and transport section currently based at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, and which is being subsumed into the 4th Garrison S & T at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath, are informed as to where they will be located after November 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20593/98]
No decision has yet been taken in relation to the relocation of personnel of 4 Field Supply and Transport, Columb Barracks, Mullingar. However, when such a decision has been made all personnel concerned will be notified accordingly. Personnel are being informed on a regular basis of the ongoing reorganisation situation. Personnel who wish to remain in Columb Barracks will be facilitated, and personnel who wish to be posted to Custume Barracks, Athlone will also be facilitated.
81 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of companies which made tenders to his Department for security work for the Army barracks which he closed recently prior to the appointment of four firms; the estimated cost in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20631/98]
82 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Army was not allowed to provide security for Army barracks recently closed by his Department in view of the fact it would save a lot of the cost incurred by the appointment of security firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20632/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
A total of nine companies tendered to provide private security at the vacated barracks. A number of these companies submitted tenders in respect of more than one of the properties. The daily cost of the security services involved is approximately £1,400. The companies have been engaged for an initial period of three months.
