asked the Minister for Defence whether there are any and, if so, how many demobilised Army personnel living in houses at the Curragh Camp and whether it is correct that pensions and gratuities are withheld from such personnel until they vacate such houses, and further, whether he is aware that under the regulations of the Department of Local Government these personnel are not entitled to be allotted subsidy houses belonging to the local authority.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demobilised Army Personnel, Curragh Camp.
Sixteen dwelling houses (officially known as married quarters) at the Curragh Camp are at present irregularly occupied by ex-members of the Defence Forces and/or their families.
All pensions and gratuities or the moneys due to ex-soldiers who continue to occupy married quarters are withheld to cover the daily charge for overholding quarters as well as any amount which might be due to public funds for loss, damage or deficiencies in the quarters or furniture.
The amount of the latter cannot be determined until the quarters have been vacated, and accordingly any money due cannot be paid while the irregular occupation continues.
The ex-members of the Defence Forces in question are now civilians, and I am not aware that under the regulations of the Department of Local Government they are not entitled to be allotted subsidy houses belonging to the local authority.
Will the Minister make inquiries from the Department of Local Government and he will find that the Kildare County Council cannot allot any house to one of these 16 people because the chief medical officer is not entitled to inspect the quarters which are the property of the Minister for Defence?
I cannot see the point. These men conform to the regulation as far as family requirements are involved and I do not think there are any legal difficulties which would prevent the county council from allotting houses if they wish.
Is the Minister not aware that one of the regulations is that before any house can be allotted the premises in which the prospective applicant is residing must be inspected? Is the Minister aware that, therefore, the chief medical officer, not having any jurisdiction in the Curragh Camp, cannot inspect the house of any applicant?
I think that would be a question between the Department of Local Government and the local authority. If the local authority apply to the Department of Local Government I am sure that they will be given facilities to inspect the quarters. The fact is that these people are in illegal occupation at the moment.
Is the Minister aware that the view I have expressed is the official view of the county manager and the chief medical officer?