asked the Minister for Defence if he proposes to provide proper accommodation for married soldiers attached to Liam Mellows Barracks, Renmore, Galway; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Married Soldiers' Accommodation.
8.
Soldiers have equal claims on local authority houses with other members of the community in the same category. My Department's policy is to supplement the efforts of local authorities where soldiers' housing needs are greatest.
The needs of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa will be fully considered in the context of the Army housing programme generally.
Is the Minister satisfied that the accommodation available at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Galway is adequate to meet the needs of the families residing there and the families who are attached to the barracks at Renmore?
My information is that the personnel living in married quarters in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa who are suitably housed number 28, including three overholders. Personnel living within ten miles of the barracks include 54 suitably housed, nine unsuitably housed, generally in substandard accommodation, while personnel living outside ten miles of the barracks and in need of married quarters number 12. At the moment the number of applications on my desk for married quarters is two.
Am I to take it that the accommodation of the 28 mentioned by the Minister is considered by him to be suitable? Is he aware of the conditions there?
As I have told the Deputy, my information is that for 28 the accommodation provided is suitable and that includes three overholders. There are 54 families suitably housed; these people are living outside the barracks but within ten miles of it. In the view of the Army there are nine unsuitably housed and personnel more than ten miles from the barracks—this is rather far away— who are in need of married quarters number 12. The number of applications is two.
Will the Minister take it from me that the conditions are far from suitable? Will he have the matter investigated further?
I will have a look at the matter. I have been trying to get a scheme operating whereby soldiers would own their own houses. The people who started the scheme have been successful in two barracks and I have initiated a further scheme at a third barracks. If the system proves successful I will try to operate it throughout the Army barracks.
Where are the two barracks located?
At Longford and Mullingar. Dundalk is the third station.
The west has been left out.
The schemes in Mullingar and Longford were initiated by a young officer and they were very successful. The third case is a pilot scheme; the commanding officer in Dundalk communicated with the county manager and was successful in setting up the scheme. If we can get the schemes going, I should be delighted to send that officer to the west and throughout the country to get them in operation.
If the Minister gave the money the houses would be built.
The Deputy well knows that the money for the scheme comes from normal sources. The scheme has been most successful.