Vol. 630 No. 4
6 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the quantity of land, its location and the funding received that was allocated to other Departments or State agencies for below market value between 2000 and the end of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2773/07]
The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, and lands at Gormanston Camp, County Meath, would be among the State property released to the relevant local authorities for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. On 16 December 2003 the Government agreed to the release of approximately two acres of lands at the Camp Field, Collins Barracks, Cork, for inclusion in the initiative, as well as 2.5 acres at St. Bricin's Military Hospital, Dublin. The latter site was transferred to Dublin City Council in December 2006 as specified by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for a nominal consideration.
How land at the remaining three locations might play a role in the delivery of the housing initiative is a matter in the first instance for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which is the lead Department for the development of the affordable housing initiative. The legal formalities relating to the transfer of lands at these locations are being progressed in consultation with that Department and the Chief State Solicitor's office.
As part of the Government decision to close and sell six barracks in 1998, it was decided to make provision for a contribution to local communities in the areas involved. In this context, arising from the sale of Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, comprising approximately 150 acres, an area comprising approximately 27 acres is being transferred free of charge to Cork County Council for community use.
In addition, an area comprising approximately seven acres at Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare, was ceded free of charge to Naas Urban District Council for community purposes at the time of the closure of the barracks. A further 14 acres were sold to that authority for approximately €8.9 million while the balance of the barrack lands, one acre, was sold to Kildare County Council for approximately €400,000 in 2002. Finally, an area comprising approximately 19.2 acres at the former Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, was sold to Cork County Council in 2001 for approximately €1 million for economic development of the site in conjunction with IDA Ireland.
As part of a separate arrangement an area comprising approximately ten acres at Ringaskiddy was transferred from my Department to the Department of Education and Science in 2002 as a site for the National Maritime College. There was no transfer of funds involved as the lands were made available as my Department's capital contribution to the development of a project which is used jointly by the Naval Service and the Cork Institute of Technology.
The Government decided in 2000 that Spike Island, County Cork, would be transferred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The island, which had been under the administration of that Department since 1985, was formally transferred in 2002 for a nominal consideration of approximately €65,000.
A small area comprising approximately 0.25 acres at Castlebar Military Barracks, County Mayo, was dedicated to Castlebar Town Council in 2004 for use as a car park and pedestrian facilities for a nominal consideration.
From time to time land at various locations has been dedicated to local authorities to allow for projects such as road widening or realignment schemes.
Does the Minister agree that it is difficult for the Ministry of Defence to obtain funding at the Cabinet table? The sale of property is one way money can be found for reinvestment in refurbishing buildings and procuring equipment, which has happened in recent years. Much of the portfolio of lands listed by the Minister was sold undervalue. He probably will not be around much longer to do so but it is important to make clear to the Minister for Finance that much money which could have been reinvested in equipment and facilities for the Defence Forces has gone to other Departments with nothing in exchange. I do not know what percentage of the true value was achieved in these deals but it seems nominal in many cases, to the detriment of the Defence Forces. I call on the Minister to bear that in mind when he next seeks funding from the Minister for Finance for much needed equipment and refurbishment work for the Defence Forces.
Will the Minister comment on the progress of the proposal by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to build a prison at Kilworth Camp? How much land would be required? The Thornton Hall purchase on the north side of Dublin was controversial and costly. Does the Minister know how much land must be given to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to build this facility?
Traditionally, it has been difficult for the Department of Defence to get money at the Cabinet table, but we have moved on from that situation. Last year, more than €1 billion was spent in the defence Estimate for the first time. Since 1997, sales of land re-invested in equipment and buildings have amounted to more than €90 million. We continue to keep the situation under review.
The matter of land transferred at nominal or below value or for free falls into two categories, both of which result from Government decisions. In 1998, when the Government decided to sell six barracks, it also decided to make some of that valuable land available for public use, such as amenity areas, etc. The decision was welcomed widely on all sides of the House and it has been followed through. In 2003, the Department of Defence, one of the land-owning Departments, was instructed to provide some lands to assist the social and affordable housing initiative. This was laudable and everyone considered it a good idea. Anyone who attended last year's military parade saw how much state-of-the-art equipment the Army has. The investment in equipment and improving barracks throughout the country, which has run into tens of millions of euro in recent years, will continue.
Regarding Kilworth, the amount of land in question is approximately 50 acres to 100 acres. It is a loose figure. As Deputy Timmins knows, we own several thousand acres at Kilworth. A joint working group has been established between the Departments of Defence and Justice, Equality and Law Reform to draft proposals. I am advised that, as we speak, the group is examining the site in Kilworth.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is in his JCB and wellingtons.
The working group.
Does the Minister agree that the sale of Clancy Barracks was a disastrous deal for his Department? Dublin City Council made a bid, but it was quoted an asking price of £40 million, which was more than it could afford. In 2004, the land was sold for €25 million to Florence Properties Limited, a private developer, but it has not been developed. Some 13.65 acres beside Heuston Station is worth at least €50 million.
Yes.
The Department of Defence would not make it available for less than £40 million to the local authority, which wanted to build social and affordable housing, but it sold it for almost half the price to a private developer.
I do not know the details of the case. It occurred before I entered the Department of Defence.
I would not attempt to blame the Minister, but would he agree that a deal of that nature is a disaster?
I am unaware of the details. I would need to hear both sides of the story. I must talk to my officials before agreeing or disagreeing, but I will make inquiries. Was it Clancy Barracks?
Yes. The Minister can take it that all 52 members of Dublin City Council agreed that Clancy Barracks should be bought for the benefit of the citizens of Dublin so that social and affordable housing could be constructed. The Defence Forces and the Department of Defence put a price of £40 million on it, exorbitant at the time, but it was sold for €25 million shortly afterwards to a private developer who has not yet turned a sod on the site.
My constituents are in dire need of social and affordable housing. I appreciate that the Minister is directed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to dispose of military barracks in some cases, but would he be prepared to make a case for Cathal Brugha Barracks to be made available to my constituency of Dublin South East? That good gesture on his part would be appreciated.
Does the Deputy mean sell Cathal Brugha Barracks or make some of the land available?
The latter. For social and affordable housing.
We keep our property portfolio under constant review. What we dispose of is regarded as surplus to requirements at a particular time. If the Deputy wishes, I will examine the barracks to determine whether any land is surplus to requirements and communicate with him.
7 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he will make provisions for retiring members of the Reserve Defence Forces to receive an honorarium in recognition of their years of voluntary service to their country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2810/07]
258 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he will make provisions for retiring members of the Reserve Defence Forces to receive an honorarium in recognition of their years of voluntary service to their country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3316/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 258 together.
Service in the reserve is rendered on a voluntary part-time basis. I am aware of the time and effort that its members give freely by participating in training and other activities in their own time. Their willingness to serve in a voluntary capacity and the dedication and enthusiasm they display consistently is appreciated in their local communities throughout the country and by the Government.
In recognition of their valuable service, medals and bars are issued to members of the Defence Forces as prescribed in Defence Forces regulations. Members of the Defence Forces Reserve are awarded the service medal on completing seven years satisfactory service. This recognises their service and contribution to the Defence Forces and the State. A bar is added to the medal on completing 12 years satisfactory service and a second bar on completing 21 years satisfactory service.
Members of the reserve receive payments in respect of attendance at specified courses of training or instruction or for undertaking particular authorised duties. The pay and allowances are at the same rates and under the same conditions as those of members of the Permanent Defence Force with the exception of the uniform allowance.
In addition, reserve personnel who undergo a total of seven days annual training or an aggregate of seven days training plus duties receive a week's pay at the relevant regimental rank rate as well as a tax free gratuity appropriate to their ranks. The gratuity is a measure of reimbursement on account of losses, expenses and disabilities incurred by them consequent on their obligations.
As Deputies will be aware, the White Paper set out a blueprint for a new reserve. It has a clearly defined role, an enhanced relationship with the PDF, better equipment and training and will have the opportunity to serve on overseas peace support missions. The Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan, which was formally launched in July 2004, is on schedule. My primary focus has been on meeting the challenges presented by this ambitious plan for the new reserve.
There are, therefore, no plans to change the relevant regulations to provide for an honorarium for retiring members of the reserve. The current provisions give recognition to the excellent service of such members and provide an appropriate reward, given the voluntary nature of that service.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Members of the reserve are appreciative of the seven year bar and second bar medals, but I put it to the Minister that he is referring to a voluntary service provided for a long period. People who go about their ordinary business in their communities volunteer a great deal of their time and are not in receipt of remuneration for the time spent in training, on exercises or at meetings or for the service they provide. They are the country's second line of defence.
As the period in question is long and includes the FCA, we are speaking about tens of thousands of citizens who were prepared to give up their time loyally and patriotically to provide a service. Now that there is an integrated approach to the Permanent Defence Force and the reserve, the latter's members' status has been enhanced. An honorarium or ex gratia contribution made by the State would, alongside the medals, be an appropriate token of appreciation and recognition for service provided during an extended period. We are not discussing a large sum of money, but a relatively small sum. I ask the Minister to reconsider his decision.
I agree with Deputy Costello, many of these people gave dedicated service and it would be a sign of the appreciation of the State if something could be given to them when they retire from the Reserve Defence Forces.
Strictly speaking it is incorrect to say they are not remunerated for what they do. They are not remunerated for weekly training, which they do in their spare time, but when they attend their annual training camp, if they are there for a minimum of seven days, they will be paid for the seven days at the relevant regimental rate up to a maximum of 14 days.
That is out of their holiday period.
They are also paid when they go on specific training courses and on specific security duties.
According to the figures available to me, the Reserve Defence Force personnel may be paid for up to a maximum of 42 days in a year for attending under the headings I outlined. There are, however, exceptions to this on sanction by the Department. In 2006, 25 reservists completed an average of 50 days, with a minimum of 43 and maximum of 64 days for which they were paid.
Service in the Reserve Defence Forces is voluntary, these people are interested and giving voluntarily of their time. I am unaware of any other country where such a gratuity or redundancy payment is paid to a member of the defence forces reserve. In deference to Deputy Costello raising the issue, a case for a payment on retirement or cessation of membership of the Reserve Defence Forces has never been made to me by any of the representative organisations. If they want to make a case, that is fine, I will listen. I do not want to raise expectations unnecessarily but I will hear those who want to make a case.
8 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the steps he has taken to implement the findings of the Behan report into the Niemba Ambush in the Congo in 1960; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2803/07]
In his report Colonel Behan made five recommendations, each of which I will now address in turn.
The first recommendation is that in the light of his research and study, the record of Dáil Éireann should be amended in regard to the location where Trooper Browne died. While no definitive conclusion can be reached regarding the precise location of Trooper Browne's death, the proposition that the Baluba tribesmen carried his remains from the ambush site cannot be substantiated and should be withdrawn. Likewise, the conclusion that he died at Tundula cannot be substantiated. The precise location of Trooper Browne's death remains an open question. It should be stressed that this in no way calls into question the validity of the award of the military medal for gallantry to Trooper Browne. I accepted this recommendation and I used the occasion of my last Dáil appearance to update the record in this regard.
The second recommendation is that Thomas Kenny and Joseph Fitzpatrick should have their reputations copperfastened by official recognition and an acknowledgement that they survived an horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity to survive until finally rescued. As I have previously outlined to the House, and I reiterate here, I wholeheartedly recognise and acknowledge that both Private Kenny, particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained, and Private Fitzpatrick survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity to survive until finally rescued. I commend them both on the selfless service they have given their country.
Colonel Behan's third recommendation is a public acknowledgement, preferably at ministerial level, of the feat of survival and the trauma and suffering that this horrific incident visited on both men, with particular emphasis on Private Kenny by virtue of the most serious wounds and injuries he sustained. It is important that a serious effort is made in public to reintegrate Tom Kenny and Joe Fitzpatrick into the Defence Forces family. As I have previously outlined to the House, it is my intention to so do and to that end the Chief of Staff has proposed that appropriate public recognition of Mr. Kenny and Mr. Fitzpatrick be arranged on the day of an overseas parade. The UNIFIL review of troops, which is scheduled for Cathal Brugha Barracks at the end of April, would appear a suitable venue and occasion.
Colonel Behan does not recommend the award of medals to the two men and I have accepted his recommendation in this regard.
The final recommendation is that the family of Trooper Browne should be informed if the decision is taken to accept that the precise location of his death cannot be definitively established. I understand that Colonel Behan has briefed the family of Trooper Browne and they indicated that they had no difficulties with the report.
I thank the Minister for that reply. In his last appearance in the Dáil, he mentioned that he intended to find a suitable event to honour both men and I welcome the decision to mark the occasion at an overseas function at the end of April at Cathal Brugha Barracks. Could the Minister expand on that?
Would the Minister reconsider awarding the medal to the two survivors? As the Minister acknowledged, they endured and survived an horrendous experience and there is no question about their courage and commitment in such circumstances. Both of them would like a medal and Joe Fitzpatrick believes nothing less would be adequate.
The military archives indicate an inaccurate version of the manner of Trooper Browne's death. Has the history of his unit been changed to reflect Colonel Behan's report?
Deputy Finian McGrath mentioned meeting the two men but Tom Kenny does not want to meet anyone at this time. Joe Fitzpatrick, however, is anxious to meet the Minister.
We examined how best to commemorate what happened in the contribution of both soldiers in a public way. The Chief of Staff suggested that the UNIFIL parade that will take place in Cathal Brugha Barracks at the end of April might be a suitable public occasion because it will attract a lot media attention. Not only will we publicly recognise them at that event but, as Minister for Defence, I will also present them with a plaque or something of that nature. We have decided to do that unless something more adequate is proposed.
Most people who went abroad on service with the United Nations faced immediate danger and came under fire but not all of them have been given medals. The Army is sparing in distributing medals because it does not want to devalue those it gives for exceptional bravery and gallantry. If we gave a medal to everyone who was involved in a dangerous situation and who showed courage under fire, and all of those who go overseas are courageous by nature, it would devalue the worth of those medals.
I will leave the last word on this to the military authorities. Colonel Behan examined the situation carefully and decided that if people showed bravery, which is part of their job, and experienced danger, something faced by every soldier serving overseas, there was nothing extra that would enable him to conclude these men be given special recognition. The Army has had representations made to it by the families of people who died in action that they should be awarded medals posthumously and in all of those cases it refused. It takes exceptional action to get a medal but I leave this to the military authorities and Colonel Behan has not recommended the awarding of a medal. I am bound by that because Colonel Behan carried out a detailed investigation into all of this. He is an experienced officer and I do not want to second guess him.
If there is a need to correct them, that will be done, if has not been done already. I have no difficulty with meeting Mr. Fitzpatrick or Mr. Kenny. If the Deputy or any Member wishes to make an appointment, I would be happy to meet them. I informally met Mr. Fitzpatrick in the House the last time I took parliamentary questions. I had a few brief words with him because I did not have the opportunity to speak to him in detail. If he wishes to see me, I am open to meeting him.
I thank the Minister for his reply and I will make the necessary arrangements. The reason I asked the Minister to review the awarding of a medal is the men have suffered for almost 47 years and they have had a cloud over their good names and that of their families. These are exceptional circumstances, which fall way beyond the call of duty. The Niemba ambush was the most catastrophic incident in all our overseas missions and these two survivors have been under a cloud for almost half a century. Colonel Behan has clearly vindicated them and these are exceptional circumstances. Rather than rely on his recommendation, perhaps the Minister might refer the case to the Chief of Staff for his opinion.
I accept the Deputy's comments but the military authorities have concluded that these circumstances, however harrowing and difficult they may be for the individuals involved, are not sufficient to warrant the award of a medal for gallantry under the relevant criteria. However, I do not wish to pre-empt any discussion I have with Mr. Fitzpatrick or anybody else Deputy Costello wishes me to meet. Mr. Fitzpatrick's public representatives can make their own case to me on a one-to-one basis and I would be happy to listen.
It would not be good practice to refer matters arising from Colonel Behan's report to the Chief of Staff, given that he appointed the colonel because he was eminently suitable and qualified to carry out this inquiry. He carried it out to the best of his ability. He is an outstanding military officer and a person of the highest integrity. I am disposed to accepting the conclusions and recommendations in his report.
9 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the recent improvements made to the military archive facility at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2761/07]
Some €400,000 was spent in 2005 to improve facilities within Cathal Brugha Barracks, where the Military Archives are housed. The intention was to secure the archive while the requirement for a more suitable home for it was identified. The military authorities advise that the Military Archives have three staff and that a total five staff would be sufficient to meet the current demands on the archives. To achieve the appropriate staff level, I have directed that, if qualified military personnel are not available, civilian staff are to be sourced without delay. I recognise the requirement for a more suitable home for the Military Archives that protects the material currently stored, provides for expansion and permits easy public access. An emphasis on achieving this on a site with an appropriate military heritage narrows the options available.
Considerable effort was invested in examining the National Museum of Ireland facility at the former Collins Barracks, Dublin, long considered as the most appropriate and suitable location for the Military Archives. However, feasibility studies carried out by a firm of architectural consultants raised serious issues relating to cost, planning and architectural protection in meeting the needs of the Military Archives on the Collins Barracks site.
Consideration of some usage of the Collins Barracks site has not been exhausted. However, last year I also asked for options extending beyond the Collins Barracks site. All options will be considered and the interdepartmental committee will continue their work in this regard. I have been advised that one option may be to locate the Military Archives in one of the active military installations in the Dublin area. The option of locating the Military Archives together with or alongside the National Archives also requires further consideration.
I welcome the Minister's commitment to go outside the military establishment to acquire the necessary expertise, if it is not available internally. This issue has been raised repeatedly and it is important that the staffing level would be increased. Heels are being dragged on the issue of finding a location. I appreciate it can be difficult but it is important that the site should be central, possibly in Dublin, because many people travel from abroad and from around the country to access the archives. Good public transport links should be available in the vicinity of the site. Will the Minister redouble his efforts to find a more suitable location for the archives?
I agree with the Deputy that the issue is dragging a little and that is why I gave the appropriate instruction to recruit civilian staff without further delay because I suspect suitable staff are not available within the military.
The location of the archives is a difficult issue. The relocation of the National Archives is a problem and the relevant authority is experiencing considerable difficulty. We are keeping the option of siting both archives together in the back of our minds but that option will not become live until a decision is made on the National Archives. The difficulty is three locations were identified by the committee when it was established in 2003 and two further locations were established. Three have been ruled out on cost and architectural grounds while the two remaining options look decidedly shaky. Last August, I asked the committee to look outside Collins Barracks for a suitable location and my Department has separately examined other locations in the meantime. Hopefully progress will be made on this important matter in the not too distant future.
Deputy Timmins has raised an important question because we have an extraordinarily rich military history. A full archive with the necessary personnel and resources should be available. I have tabled a question on whether the Government will mark the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls. Could the Military Archives put on an exhibition to mark such an event, which changed the course of our history?
The Department spent €500,000 on the archives in Cathal Brugha Barracks last year to keep the show on the road. The facilities for such an exhibition are limited but I will make inquiries and communicate with the Deputy on the matter.
10 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence if NBC suits are personal issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/07]
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements, which includes approximately 9,500 NBC suits. The NBC suits are not a personal issue and are retained in stores throughout the Defence Forces. Should an operational scenario arise, the NBC suits would be distributed as required to all personnel involved. In addition, the suits are allocated to all brigades and the Defence Forces training centre as required for training purposes.
The Defence Forces have a sufficient stock of respirators for each soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up-to-date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes biological agent detector and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment. The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continual review by the Defence Forces. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.
I am happy with the reply.
11 Mr. Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces vehicles, such as armoured personnel carriers, jeeps and trucks, currently in use on overseas missions; the number of times these vehicles are rotated back to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/07]
Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. All military vehicles undergo regular maintenance and overhauls to ensure that they are roadworthy and provide value for money. Vehicles are replaced when, having regard to age, condition and mileage, they are considered by Defence Forces transport personnel to have reached the end of their economic life, at which time they are proposed for disposal.
Currently, a total of 229 vehicles are in use by the Defence Forces on overseas missions, details of which are listed in the following table. All vehicles are rotated back to Ireland as required or in circumstances where they cannot be repaired in the mission area.
|
Vehicle Type |
KFOR |
EUFOR |
ISAF |
UNMIL |
UNIFIL |
TOTAL |
|
Jeeps |
35 |
19 |
— |
20 |
12 |
86 |
|
Trucks |
7 |
— |
— |
15 |
11 |
33 |
|
Armour |
6 |
— |
3 |
30 |
18 |
57 |
|
Trailers |
2 |
2 |
— |
24 |
7 |
35 |
|
Bus |
3 |
2 |
— |
— |
2 |
7 |
|
Ambulance |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
|
Miscellaneous Vehicles |
3 |
1 |
— |
5 |
— |
9 |
|
57 |
24 |
3 |
95 |
50 |
229 |
Question No. 11 refers to jeeps, trucks and armoured personnel carriers on overseas service. What support, if any, is given by the UN towards the purchase, maintenance or replacement of weaponry and equipment used by Defence Forces personnel on overseas missions?
The UN does not contribute directly to the cost of maintaining our equipment, which is purchased and maintained from our own budget. However, a standing arrangement is in place between the UN and its constituent members that compensation be paid for expenditure incurred in sending troops on missions. The compensation is paid in arrears according to a fixed formula. Traditionally, the arrears have been substantial but matters have improved recently. There is no direct relationship between what the UN pays and the cost of equipment.
Is the fixed sum of money received by Ireland related to the services it renders?
The formula varies according to particular missions, although I do not know its exact details. The Defence Forces inform me as to how much is owed and my Department contacts the UN when the cheque is late, which is often the case.
How much is owed?
The sums vary because the UN pays in arrears.
How much is owed at present?
At one stage, we were owed more than €13 million but I believe the figure has significantly decreased. I can revert to the Deputy with the exact figure.
12 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the status of the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2755/07]
57 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence whether the Garda investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) has been completed; if so, the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2935/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 57 together.
On 2 February 2006, I received a report from Mr. Seán Hurley, whom I had appointed to carry out an independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces and the parents and family of Private Kevin Barrett in the aftermath of his tragic death on 18 February 1999 while serving with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon. Mr. Hurley looked in detail at how the Department and the Defence Forces interacted with the Barrett family after Kevin's death and has identified some clear failings and shortcomings.
Immediately on receipt of Mr. Hurley's report, I contacted the Garda Commissioner and asked him to provide me with his early views on any possible assistance the Garda Síochána might be in a position to provide. A Garda officer was assigned to the case to examine the files held by my Department and the Defence Forces on the case, with a view to determining whether the Garda could provide any assistance in the matter. Liaison arrangements were set up between the Garda and the Defence Forces, which continued to provide the fullest co-operation to the Garda.
Arising from an examination by the Garda of the available material, the investigation team identified a number of lines of inquiry. These included re-interviewing all witnesses who were in the vicinity when Private Barrett died, identifying any other witnesses not previously interviewed and a ballistic examination of the billet where Private Barrett died and the firearm used.
The Garda investigation was recently completed and the Garda Commissioner has indicated in a letter to me that, having re-interviewed Professor Hiss, the pathologist who carried out the post mortem examination, and having obtained the expert opinion of the State Pathologist, Dr. Cassidy, along with the results of the detailed examination of the billet, the Garda investigation reached a number of conclusions. The most significant conclusion was that the investigators are satisfied that the original findings were correct and there is no evidence to suggest any third party involvement in the death of Private Barrett. The detective chief superintendent who investigated the case is now arranging to meet members of the family to brief them on the investigation. My Department has remained in contact with the family throughout the investigation. I have offered to meet the family and arrangements are being made in that regard.
I thank the Minister for commissioning the report and hope it will bring some conclusion to the Barrett family. I extend my sincere sympathies to Private Barrett's parents on the tragic death of their son.
I thank the Minister for bringing the report to a conclusion and for commissioning the Garda inquiry. I extend my condolences to the family of Private Barrett.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
