Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister request the report as soon as possible? I asked a similar question in November 2007 and received a similar response. I remind the Minister that apart from personnel on site in the Curragh, it is proposed to move 400 people from headquarters in Dublin there, resulting in approximately 3,000 people being on site in the Curragh. It will be like a small town. Almost every other Department of that size has a crèche facility for its employees. Why, therefore, should there not be a facility at the Curragh?

I understand there is a question mark over the facility on the grounds of costs. Why discriminate against Army personnel in the Curragh? Male and female personnel equally require the crèche facility to help them manage their daily lives. If a facility was available they could have their children cared for close to their workplace, just like other people. Will the Minister demand this report be presented to him? I understand it has been completed, but that there is a reluctance to move on it because of cost factors, but they should not come into consideration. Personnel at the Curragh should receive the same treatment as personnel in other Departments.

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