asked the Minister for Defence if his Department have any plans to provide housing accommodation for Army personnel; and, if so, if he will give details.
96.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Housing.
95.
asked the Minister for Defence the total number of Army personnel at present provided with housing accommodation in Army barracks; and if any changes in the system are envisaged.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 95 and 96 together. A total of 131 officers and 883 noncommissioned officers and privates are at present provided with married quarters by my Department.
At the Curragh Training Camp 50 new houses built for married soldiers are almost ready for occupation and work on the construction of 20 houses for married soldiers in Athlone is well advanced.
As I indicated in my reply to the debate on the Estimate for my Department on 3rd May, 1973, I am looking into the whole question of the provision of housing accommodation for Army personnel.
Will the Minister let us know if he is prepared to examine the accommodation that will be vacated when those men go into other accommodation and if he will consider extending and renovating the vacated accommodation?
Indeed, I will. In the short time I have been there I have found the conditions in Army married quarters in general to be a disgrace to the previous Administration.
During the short time the Minister will be there——
You had 16 years and you did nothing about it.
The Minister has done nothing for the Army.