Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
183. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current progress on providing alternative accommodation for the UN Veterans facility at Portlaoise Garda Station, which is a consequence of the construction works and extension to the Garda Divisional HQ. [29783/23]
View answer184. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will confirm whether the Department of Justice and the prison authorities in the Midlands, along with the OPW, have finalised agreement on the construction of the Defence Forces Unit, including the UN Veterans facility at the Midlands Prison. [29784/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the project referred to forms part of a wider initiative in Portlaoise in relation to the provision of new buildings for An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. My Department has confirmed to both the Irish Prison Services and the OPW that the Defence Forces have a current operational requirement in Portlaoise. Accordingly, the OPW are now overseeing the delivery of a new building for these purposes. While the Department does provide assist in accommodating Veterans services, the primary responsibility for sourcing such accommodation rests with the relevant Veterans organisation in the first instance. That being said, my Department will consider the scope for other users of the new building when same is completed and handed over to the Department.
