Vol. 426 No. 6
63 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel involved in the provision of accommodation for the homeless at St. Brendan's Hospital, Dublin 7; the total cost to the Defence Forces of the personnel and services provided; if it is intended that the Defence Forces should provide these facilities on a long term basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are 11 military personnel involved in the provision of accommodation for the homeless at St. Brendan's Hospital, Grangegorman. The additional cost to date of Defence Forces involvement in providing facilities is £42,000 approximately. The provision of facilities will continue until agreement is reached with the relevant authorities on alternative arrangements for the homeless.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate both the military authorities and the Civil Defence for the commitment and professionalism they have shown in the running of the night shelter.
