Legislative Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (936)

Jack Wall

Question:

936. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position of the proposals made as a result of his Department's withdrawal of the Curragh of Kildare Bill; if he has reviewed the withdrawal of the Bill; the plans he has to republish the Bill; if he is satisfied with the actions and proposals to address the problems regarding the Curragh as determined in the original Bill; if any of the proposed actions or proposals has being addressed and, if so, the cost of each proposal or action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34431/13]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Curragh of Kildare Bill was withdrawn because of a number of technical issues arose which caused difficulty in progressing the Bill. In addition the establishment of the Authority as a separate agency under the aegis of the Department of Defence (as proposed in the Bill) would involve additional costs in terms of staff, accommodation, expenses and payments to members of the Authority which would be significantly greater than the costs incurred by my Department in administering the Curragh Lands. This Government has targeted the rationalisation of State agencies as a key cost saving measure and in that context it would be inappropriate to establish a separate agency to manage work currently being done by my Department. The establishment of the Authority was the major proposal contained in the Bill. Consequently I have no plans to review or republish the Bill.