Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and I am aware that he knows this space very well. The Deputy will be aware that it has been a long-standing policy to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to Defence Forces' personnel. This policy, introduced in the late 1990s, has been implemented on a gradual basis, sympathetic to the needs of those occupying these former married quarters and, in particular, those persons who may be vulnerable. It is not intended to reverse this long-standing policy and, as such, I can confirm to the Deputy that it is my Department's policy to transfer ownership of properties to the housing authority, in this case Kildare County Council, at the earliest opportunity subject, of course, to its agreement.

The Deputy may wish to note that my Department transferred two residential properties that were vacant in 2019 to Kildare County Council. It is intended to make a similar offer to the housing authority in due course.

As to the handing over of the estate to Kildare County Council, it would be my Department's preference that the local authority take the same in charge. However, this is a matter for the county council in the first instance.

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