Vol. 528 No. 1
121 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide vacant residential space or sites to representative groups or associations to permit the groups to provide proper residential facilities for retired members of the Defence Forces; and if his Department will consider the provision of funding for such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29726/00]
The provision of sheltered residential accommodation falls within the remit of the Department of the Environment and Local Government and of the appropriate local authorities. I understand that the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women does in fact operate a residential facility in Dublin which provides services specifically to former members of the Permanent Defence Force. A substantial grant was made available by the Department of the Environment and Local Government towards the original provision of that facility.
The question of providing additional such facilities from State sources, would in the first instance have to be considered by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the relevant Local authorities in the general context of the development and co-ordination of housing services. I would be happy to assist in any way I can in that context.
