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

As the Deputy is well aware, many of the individuals to whom she is referring as overholders have been overholding for many years. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have given a great deal of leeway and consideration to the circumstances of the individuals involved. If that had not been the case, the individuals to whom the Deputy refers, some of whom I assume are in the Visitors Gallery, would not still be residing in these properties. That is factual and the reality. The difficulty is that there were conditions attached to the usage of these properties. I have the greatest regard and respect for members of the Defence Forces and, in particular, for members with long service, but I come back to the issue mentioned. Regardless of how emotively the Deputy wishes to present it, neither the Defence Forces nor the Department of Defence is a housing authority.

The securing of alternative housing is a matter for the individuals concerned in the first instance. If they are not in a position to secure housing in their own right, again, it may be the case that they qualify for social housing and they qualify for some level of housing assistance. As I said to the Deputy previously, officials in my Department have met with officials of Kildare County Council regarding over-holders. The council is aware of the situation and it will advise people of the procedures available. However, I cannot stand over families remaining in accommodation in which they are not entitled to remain. My Department and I, as well as my predecessors, have tried to deal with this matter in as humanitarian and as considered a way as possible and we will continue to so do. I have a duty as Minister for Defence to ensure that the specific rules applicable to the use of housing are complied with.

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