Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy and I addressed this issue recently on the last occasion defence questions were taken. I will give some information that I previously gave to the House.

In February 1997 the then Minister for Defence set out the policy on married quarters on the basis that they were largely an anachronism and that they should be discontinued in a managed and orderly way. My Department has since discontinued the practice of providing such accommodation. In addition, given the age of the housing stock, it has been found that over time the properties require a significant and disproportionate investment in order to ensure compliance with regulations for rental properties. In recent years much of the stock has become unsuitable for habitation and has had to be taken out of use. Consequently, there has been a sharp decline in the number of married quarters in use, with only 26 serving personnel occupying married quarters in the Curragh.

Personnel are obliged, as I have advised the House previously and as my predecessors have done, under Defence Force regulations to vacate married quarters within a specified period of being discharged from the Permanent Defence Force. The term "overholder" is used to describe former members of the Defence Forces and their families who have refused to leave married quarters within 21 days of leaving the Defence Forces. The situation of overholders continuing to occupy married quarters is not sustainable. There are 28 overholders in married quarters in the Curragh. The overholding charge for those paying ranges from €42.16 per week to €113.48 per week depending on property type. The majority of overholders are paying at the lower end of the scale. In the Curragh Camp of the 28 overholders, only 18 are paying all charges due. My Department is, therefore, in accordance with normal procedure, seeking vacant possession of overheld married quarters and will continue to do so until the overholding issue is resolved. It does not have a role, as I previously advised the Deputy, in the provision of housing accommodation for the general public and cannot subsidise housing for persons who have no entitlement and who may well have the means to supply housing for themselves.

As promised on the last occasion this matter arose, I have asked that a technical assessment of the pool of properties, taking account of the locations of the properties within the camp, their configuration, both internally and externally, and their general condition be undertaken so as to inform a decision on whether it is economically viable to restore and use any of the properties in a cost effective manner, restoration, of course, being dependent on funding being available in the future. The funding requirement is likely to be significant as the unoccupied properties are uninhabitable, with many in extremely poor condition.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Any development of property at this key location from the public purse must, in the first instance, be considered for use for military purposes. I cannot, as the Deputy will understand, support the illegal occupation of defence property by those who have no entitlement. The securing of alternative housing is a matter for the individuals concerned in the first instance. If individuals are not in a position to secure housing in their own right, it may be the case that they qualify for social housing or for some level of housing assistance. Officials of my Department have met Kildare Council officials regarding overholders in order that they are aware of the situation and will advise overholders of procedures and requirements when making applications for social housing.

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