asked the Minister for Defence the transport facilities which are provided for troops travelling to take up duty at Portlaoise prison and other similar posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Facilities for Troops.
26.
(Limerick West): Military transport is normally provided for the movement of personnel taking up duty at Portlaoise prison and other posts. Where military transport is not available, it is the practice to hire civilian transport.
I wonder if the Minister knows what is going on in the Defence Forces at all. Could he not confirm that soldiers must make their own way to duties at Portlaoise prison from their homes? If he travelled any day of the week along the road he would find soldiers hitching, trying to get a lift, because they cannot afford public transport.
(Limerick West): That information is not correct. Transport is provided by the military authorities, and if this is not available civilian transport is available.
Could the Minister offer any detail in terms of the number of times civilian transport was hired in the last year, or indeed the last week or the last month, any detail to confirm what he has said because it is completely contrary to the advice and information obtained from many soldiers who travel the road from Dublin to Portlaoise or wherever.
(Limerick West): I can only speak about facts and not fiction as the Deputy is doing. Civilian transport is provided when military transport is not available.
Could the Minister name one company that provides civilian transport for soldiers on that route?
(Limerick West): As I have said, the necessary transport is provided when military transport is not available.
That disposes of questions for today.