Written Answers Nos. 653-658
653. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding for flood damage restoration and repair for a public amenity (details supplied) will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48992/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government allocated a fund of up to €2m to the Irish Red Cross to be distributed as emergency humanitarian support to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies in County Donegal, which through no fault of their own have been unable to secure flood insurance and have been flooded following the exceptionally heavy rainfall on 22 and 23 August this year.
The purpose of the emergency fund, which was administered by the Irish Red Cross, was to provide a mechanism whereby those small businesses and organisations could apply to receive a once-off ex-gratia contribution towards the costs of returning their premises to their pre-flood condition. The scheme applies to buildings, contents, fixtures and fittings.
As the public amenity referred to by the Deputy does not fall into this category, it is not eligible for funding under the Irish Red Cross scheme.
654. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will sanction funding for flood damage restoration and repair for a tourist facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49022/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government allocated a fund of up to €2m to be distributed as emergency humanitarian support to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies in County Donegal which through no fault of their own were unable to secure flood insurance and were flooded following the exceptionally heavy rainfall of 22 and 23 August this year.
The purpose of the emergency fund, which was administered by the Irish Red Cross, was to provide a mechanism whereby those small businesses and organisations could apply to receive a once-off ex-gratia contribution towards the costs of returning their premises to their pre-flood condition. The scheme applies to buildings, contents, fixtures and fittings.
As the tourist facility referred to by the Deputy does not fall into this category, it is not eligible for funding under the Irish Red Cross scheme.
655. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the domain names registered to or owned by his Department or through a third party company. [49064/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe domain names registered to or owned by my department or through a third party company, are listed in the table.
|
Domain Name |
Domain Name |
|
asgard2.ie |
irishmilitaryarchives.com |
|
asgard3.ie |
militaryarchive.ie |
|
asgardii.ie |
militaryarchives.ie |
|
asgardiii.ie |
ministerfordefence.com |
|
civildefence.ie |
ministerfordefence.net |
|
defence.ie |
ministerfordefence.org |
|
defence.mobi |
ministerofdefence.com |
|
defenceminister.net |
ministerofdefence.net |
|
defenceminister.org |
ministerofdefence.org |
|
deptofdefence.com |
necc.ie |
|
deptofdefence.net |
obdf.ie |
|
deptofdefence.org |
oep.ie |
|
emergencyplan.ie |
ombuddf.ie |
|
emergencyplanning.ie |
winterready.ie |
|
irishmilitaryarchive.com |
656. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the average costs associated with processing and answering written and oral parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49121/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe preparation of replies to Parliamentary Question is an integral part of my Department’s business. It is not possible to separate out the cost of answering Parliamentary Questions from overall administration costs.
Some 660 Parliamentary Questions have been answered by my Department to date in 2017.
657. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost and budget from which the accommodation, laundry and breakfast costs, including costs of Defence Forces personnel carrying out catering and cleaning roles for a function (details supplied), was paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49368/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA private function was held in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa on 10 November. This function did not give rise to any additional costs on the Defence Vote. The function was costed in advance and all costs are being met by the attendees.
658. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consideration given to making available unused barracks accommodation in order to assist in the homeless crisis. [49369/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of housing accommodation is a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authorities. My Department is however committed to providing whatever assistance possible to support the implementation of the strategy on homelessness.
In this regard, my Department continues to engage with local authorities in relation to the acquisition of Departmental property that is no longer required for military purposes or housing. Discussions are ongoing in relation to the transfer of properties that could form part of the general housing stock available to local authorities, thus contributing to efforts in alleviating the problem of homelessness.
In addition, since 2014, part of St Bricin’s military installation in Dublin has been made available to Dublin City Council as emergency accommodation for the homeless. The allocated area provides space for 27 beds.
Notwithstanding the above, it should be noted that particular issues arise in relation to providing accommodation to civilians within an operational military barracks, foremost amongst them being security. Furthermore, many vacant former housing units on barracks premises are in very poor state of repair. Their condition is inconsistent with the standard that would be required for living accommodation and a significant investment in both cost and time would be required in order to make them habitable and compliant with current health and safety legislation.
