Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Significant investment is under way in the accommodation. On the precise use of that accommodation, currently it is, for training and operational reasons, tied to work, etc. Historically, there was what we would call "tied" housing within the military where housing was provided. It was known then as tied housing provision. In the early 1990s, the discontinuance of that started for a number of reasons and it was done on a gradual basis to minimise disruption to families, personnel, etc. Since then, the focus has been on training and operational activities. We are concentrating on renovation and upgrading existing accommodation facilities. I have given instructions that I do not want anything demolished, either on the Curragh or elsewhere.

On the next stage of that and the policy question as to whether we start building houses again, we have to take on board the broader community environment, crèches, etc. It is not only about building houses anymore. There is the desirability of that within barracks, etc. That is a bigger question. On the timelines, I can get those for the Deputy in respect of the projects that are under way.

See this speech in context