Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for those figures. I accept he is equally concerned at the shortfall of 283. Most parts of the public service are expanding apart from the Defence Forces. I agree that retention is a massive issue. The Minister may not be aware that there are six married quarters in Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, which members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence visited about ten days ago. It is an excellent model. If the pay issue cannot be resolved immediately, perhaps accommodation could be used as a retention tool. There are six houses in Baldonnel which are excellently managed. There are no issues with overhaul in any shape or form. People living on base are military families and are rotated every year or two. There is plenty of space in Baldonnel to increase the number of houses there. We spoke to the general officer in command who said he would be in favour of the principle. Would the Minister consider providing more housing on base for military families to take them off the social housing list and use it as a retention tool?

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