Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I understand a number of these containers, which I am sure the Minister has seen, were used in the Glen of Imaal and a commitment was given to provide portakabins as a temporary measure. I have received information that the containers are totally inadequate and they are a total insult to the people living in them. The Minister would not live in them and I would not expect anybody to live in them. His reply is not accurate based on the information I have received and it is not acceptable.

While the Minister awaits the presentation of the report to which he referred, it is not acceptable that these officers must continue to live in this totally unacceptable accommodation. Will he consider other alternatives? For example, accommodation is available in Griffith College. Why does he not provide an allowance to the officers to seek accommodation in the private sector, as is the case with Garda recruits? Does he agree it is not acceptable to have these young officers, who are the future of the Army, living in these conditions?

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