Vol. 468 No. 1
22 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number and proportion of Defence Forces housing which has been sold to members of the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14434/96]
A total of 197 married quarters have been sold by the Department of Defence to members of the Defence Forces since 1988. Included in these are 188 other ranks married quarters located outside of barracks sold to the occupants under the terms of a departmental purchase scheme which was in line with the terms of the local authority tenant purchase scheme. A further two such quarters, which became vacant after the expiry of the scheme, were sold to serving members of the Defence Forces on a competitive tendering basis. In addition, seven officers married quarters were sold to the occupants at prices as advised by the Commissioner of Valuation. The number of quarters sold to date represents 28 per cent approximately of the total stock of married quarters located both outside and within barracks.
I am satisfied that the sale of quarters scheme has operated satisfactorily.
