Vol. 536 No. 2
96 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he has completed an audit of lands under the aegis of his Department; if so, if he has forwarded this to the Department of Finance; if he will provide a copy of this audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13702/01]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks which were considered surplus to military requirements. This decision is part of the relocation, refurbishment, and re-equipment of the Defence Forces as recommended in the context of the PricewaterhouseCoopers report regarding the rationalisation of military institutions generally. It is expected that £50 million will be raised from the sale of the barracks. Most of the proceeds will be invested in the redevelopment of other military installations and new equipment. The Government has decided, in line with the White Paper on Defence, that a rigorous audit of the necessity for other property be undertaken and only those required for essential defence purposes will be retained. This audit is ongoing and properties identified will be disposed of by sale or otherwise. The Government has approved that the proceeds, along with the revenue from the existing programme of barrack disposals, will be invested in the Defence Forces infrastructure and equipment.
The Department maintains an updated register of all its property portfolio which is available to the Department of Finance.
