Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

In October the Minister made a promise in this House that if the logistics were not in place the transfer of personnel could be delayed. In the case of Aiken Barracks I understand the facilities in place are not adequate. The Minister is moving 150 personnel into a barracks which is operating at full capacity.

Single soldiers are expected to sleep in rooms which are about half the size of a prison cell with no facilities whatsoever. There are no locker facilities or basic washing facilities. I understand that the showering facilities, because of the additional numbers using them, are not adequate. This is serious. I could see it being a case for the Health and Safety Authority and I would be amazed if it did not visit this place in the next few weeks.

The Minister made a commitment that people would not be moved until the logistics were in place. Is he aware of the conditions the 150 personnel concerned have to endure until such time as the building in question is finished?

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