John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As regards subhead A24 and the Civil Defence, it is an area to which the committee has not given much focus. I am conscious of that because it is a fantastic organisation that does exceptional work across the State. It looks to me like the funding proposed for this year involves a cut of in the region of half a million euro. I might be wrong in that regard. The 2021 Estimate was €5.64 million; this year it is €5.14 million. I ask the Minister to explain that in the first instance. I ask the Minister to provide a general overview of the Civil Defence - Towards 2030 implementation plan. Where are we in the context of that plan? What is being achieved? What else needs to be achieved?

I agree with Deputy Stanton regarding the Irish Red Cross and its needs in these exceptional times. I welcome the funding that has been provided. I question whether more can be given. I believe more should be given.

My last question relates to section B and the appropriations-in-aid. I refer to land and premises and the section that deals with sales. I am conscious that, for example, in my constituency of Wicklow, and in Bray in particular, land held by the Department at Rockbrae House, which was formerly used by the 21st Infantry Battalion of the Reserve Defence Force, has been identified as surplus to requirements and a process is in place to transfer it to Wicklow County Council for the construction of housing, which is to be welcomed. There seems to be an increase in provision of money from the sale of land and premises held by the Department. I ask the Minister to provide detail in that regard. What are the exact numbers? What is being considered? What land or premises is in the process of being transferred? What is the nature of it. There has been a significant amount of controversy, and rightfully so, in respect of Cathal Brugha Barracks.

I know a process has been put in place with regard to the barracks. I just hope that is not figured somewhere in that section. Will someone categorically-----