There is another Mayo issue on the agenda tonight, namely the need for the Minister for Defence to give the up to date position regarding plans for the military barracks at Castlebar, County Mayo, and the reason the usage of the barracks appears to be substantially less this year than in previous years. There is concern in the town with regard to future plans and it has been noted that there has been a reduction in the use of the military barracks. This is of particular concern for people who are involved in the Defence Forces or the reserve forces.
Adjournment Matters. - Castlebar Military Barracks.
I welcome the opportunity to outline on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, the position with regard to Castlebar barracks. The Minister is abroad on official business and regrets that he is not able to be present this evening to deal with this Adjournment matter.
The main usage of Castlebar barracks in previous years was for the annual summer training camps for members of the Reserve Defence Force. This year, because of health and safety factor, it was not possible to hold the summer camps in Castlebar and the necessary arrangements were made to facilitate personnel at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, where accommodation and training facilities are of the highest standards. Specifically, the electrical wiring within the sleeping accommodation in the Castlebar barracks is in need of upgrading. As safety is of paramount importance, it was decided by the military authorities that the sleeping billets could not be made available for use this summer. Renovations are also necessary to upgrade the kitchen facilities in the barracks to meet health and safety requirements.
A number of works were carried out at Castlebar in 2002. These included the reroofing of the dining hall at a cost of €37,000 and the upgrading of the dining hall and other areas at a cost of €73,000. These upgrading works include the installation of fire alarms, ceiling repairs, electrical rewiring, heating, fire doors, shower, washrooms and some tarmacadam. In addition, local service contracts to service routine maintenance works were completed at a cost of €84,000, which covered windows, door, gutters and painting and decorating. The Minister for Defence has previously stated that it is not his intention to close any Reserve Defence Force location. He is conscious of the need to preserve and retain the many traditional and well established strengths of the current reserve system, not least the admirable spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close social links with local communities and a good depth and scope as regards a nationwide geographical spread.
Since his appointment, the Minister for Defence has been totally committed to developing the reserve into a top class organisation. Members of the reserve have already seen the benefits of this process in terms of improved equipment, more training days, enhanced levels of training and better clothing. This year saw an increase of 16% in the level of gratuity payable to personnel who attended annual training. As the current reorganisation process develops, there will be additional benefits in terms of a clearer role for the reserve and a better overall organisation structure. There will also be additional benefits from the closer integration of the reserve with the Army.
The question of upgrading the present permanent accommodation and kitchen facilities at Castlebar barracks to ensure compliance with building, health and safety and fire regulations is being carefully examined at present in the Department of Defence from the value for money perspective. No decisions have been made as yet on the matter, but the Minister for Defence has advised me that he will ensure the matter is dealt with as quickly as possible.
Is the Minister of State aware if finance has been committed for the necessary upgrading works? The Minister of State said that the matter is being examined carefully from a value for money perspective. Is there a commitment that the money will be spent as soon as that investigation has been carried out?
I cannot be specific on that point. Clearly, there has been considerable investment in the barracks already. It would appear to make little sense not to complete the job. I will find out the information and ask the Minister for Defence to pass it on to the Senator.
I thank the Minister of State.
The Seanad adjourned at 8.45 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 16 October 2003.