Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Some €400,000 was spent in 2005 to improve facilities within Cathal Brugha Barracks, where the Military Archives are housed. The intention was to secure the archive while the requirement for a more suitable home for it was identified. The military authorities advise that the Military Archives have three staff and that a total five staff would be sufficient to meet the current demands on the archives. To achieve the appropriate staff level, I have directed that, if qualified military personnel are not available, civilian staff are to be sourced without delay. I recognise the requirement for a more suitable home for the Military Archives that protects the material currently stored, provides for expansion and permits easy public access. An emphasis on achieving this on a site with an appropriate military heritage narrows the options available.

Considerable effort was invested in examining the National Museum of Ireland facility at the former Collins Barracks, Dublin, long considered as the most appropriate and suitable location for the Military Archives. However, feasibility studies carried out by a firm of architectural consultants raised serious issues relating to cost, planning and architectural protection in meeting the needs of the Military Archives on the Collins Barracks site.

Consideration of some usage of the Collins Barracks site has not been exhausted. However, last year I also asked for options extending beyond the Collins Barracks site. All options will be considered and the interdepartmental committee will continue their work in this regard. I have been advised that one option may be to locate the Military Archives in one of the active military installations in the Dublin area. The option of locating the Military Archives together with or alongside the National Archives also requires further consideration.

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