Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that it is difficult for the Ministry of Defence to obtain funding at the Cabinet table? The sale of property is one way money can be found for reinvestment in refurbishing buildings and procuring equipment, which has happened in recent years. Much of the portfolio of lands listed by the Minister was sold undervalue. He probably will not be around much longer to do so but it is important to make clear to the Minister for Finance that much money which could have been reinvested in equipment and facilities for the Defence Forces has gone to other Departments with nothing in exchange. I do not know what percentage of the true value was achieved in these deals but it seems nominal in many cases, to the detriment of the Defence Forces. I call on the Minister to bear that in mind when he next seeks funding from the Minister for Finance for much needed equipment and refurbishment work for the Defence Forces.

Will the Minister comment on the progress of the proposal by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to build a prison at Kilworth Camp? How much land would be required? The Thornton Hall purchase on the north side of Dublin was controversial and costly. Does the Minister know how much land must be given to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to build this facility?

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