Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
491. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Army is refusing to perform vital maintenance works on a property (details supplied) but will not give the tenant permission to perform the works themselves; the reason the Army is falling to keep its properties to acceptable living standard as other landlords are instructed to do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15339/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMember of the Defence Forces who were allocated a Married Quarter and who subsequently retire or leave are required under Regulation to return vacant possession of that property. Where the property is not vacated those remaining in the property, be they the former serving member, their spouse, children and/or other person, are regarded as Overholding.
It was brought to my Department’s attention that the property referred to was occupied by a person unknown to the Department. My Department has no agreement with the current occupant that allows her remain in the property and cannot accede to her requests to carry out the works.
When maintenance issues are brought to the attention of my Department in relation to properties occupied by Overholders, matters of a Health and Safety concern are dealt with.
Finally, my Department seeks to continue to regularise Overholding matters without recourse to legal action where possible. However, the provision of housing for members of the public is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and my Department assists in any way it can in support of such applications for assistance, when requested to do so.
