I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
The Department commenced a process of phased withdrawal from Married Quarters for serving Defence Forces personnel almost twenty years ago. As a result, the number of family type accommodation units currently being used by serving Defence Forces personnel, as advised by the military authorities, now stands at twenty two (22).
The military authorities have also advised that there are some sixty-two (62) vacant former Married Quarter properties.
Fourteen (14) of these properties are located outside barracks and are presently scheduled for disposal.
Accommodation located within barracks is not disposed of. The majority (45) of the vacant properties that fall within this category are located within the Curragh Camp. In some instances, depending on its condition, the accommodation has been adapted to meet the needs of the Defence Forces for use as single living in accommodation. In other instances, properties, which are no longer considered to be economically viable, are demolished as resources permit, in order to address health and safety concerns or to make way for other required facilities.
In general, these vacated houses would require a level of investment to bring the units up to the standards now in place for such properties, which would not be cost effective in the long term.