Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy raises the issue of Custume Barracks in Athlone with me on an almost weekly basis, and she is right to do so, as it is her town. We do have a lot of activity there in terms of a permanent Defence Forces presence. That will be maintained and probably enhanced in the future. Mullingar presents a more challenging situation because there is no longer an operational barracks there. I spoke to Deputy Penrose earlier on this issue. We will do what we can and we have been doing what we can to ensure the barracks is used by State agencies as much as possible. The Deputy can be assured that if something is to be done about accommodation for refugees, it will be in appropriate locations. Army barracks are not the only locations being looked at.