Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Defence if suitable permanent office, living and storage accommodation has been provided in Finner Camp, Custume Barracks and Aiken Barracks for the units and personnel required to transfer to those locations from the barracks and posts being closed; the amount spent on providing this accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3662/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In keeping with the budget announcement last October, the four military posts at Lifford, Rockhill, Monaghan and Longford closed last week with the personnel transferring to Finner, Dundalk and Athlone. I would like to take this opportunity to record my, and the Government's, appreciation of the professional manner in which the closures and transfers were conducted.

The military authorities had conducted a detailed review of the immediate requirements to enable the closure of the four barracks. This identified that most of the requirements for those transferring to a new location could be met from existing resources. However, a need for some immediate works, mainly the provision of storage facilities, was identified. These were provided in advance of the moves at a cost of about €550,000.

In addition to the immediate requirements, some medium-term capital works will be required in Finner Camp, Custume Barracks and Aiken Barracks to provide more permanent arrangements for the transferring personnel. These are being advanced within the Department's capital programme.

My Department is engaged in an ongoing capital programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces, both permanent and reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The cost of the projects associated with these closures will be approximately €2.5 million.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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In October the Minister made a promise in this House that if the logistics were not in place the transfer of personnel could be delayed. In the case of Aiken Barracks I understand the facilities in place are not adequate. The Minister is moving 150 personnel into a barracks which is operating at full capacity.

Single soldiers are expected to sleep in rooms which are about half the size of a prison cell with no facilities whatsoever. There are no locker facilities or basic washing facilities. I understand that the showering facilities, because of the additional numbers using them, are not adequate. This is serious. I could see it being a case for the Health and Safety Authority and I would be amazed if it did not visit this place in the next few weeks.

The Minister made a commitment that people would not be moved until the logistics were in place. Is he aware of the conditions the 150 personnel concerned have to endure until such time as the building in question is finished?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Deenihan is correct. I gave that commitment and immediately after giving it in the House I spoke to the Army Chief of Staff and his deputy chiefs. I told them if the project could not be completed by 31 January, I would not get too upset. I communicated that to them and they assured me it could be done but that it was a matter for themselves.

I admit the situation in Aiken Barracks, which the Deputy referred to, has not been brought directly to my attention. I am assured by the military that everything is proceeding according to plan and that the immediate work to be done was the provision of extra storage facilities, which was done in all three barracks at a cost of €550,000.

There are some capital works, such as the provision of shower rooms and locker rooms, which are taking place as we speak. They will cost approximately €2.5 million. I have told my Department and the military that I want those works to be completed as quickly as possible. I understand they will be completed quite quickly.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I understand the builder on site had difficulties and a new builder had to be appointed, which is not the fault of the Minister. Can the Minister clarify when he thinks the building will be completed? In the meantime, Army personnel are leaving perfect living quarters in Monaghan and the Minister is putting them into accommodation which is totally unacceptable.

Can the Minister give us an indication today of when the building will be completed? Can he assure us that the personnel will be in satisfactory living accommodation within a short space of time and will not have to wait for a number of months?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I have had no direct complaints from individuals or PDFORRA, their representative organisation. They may have made complaints to the Department or military but certainly have not come to me. The military or Department have not brought these matters directly to my attention. In view of what Deputy Deenihan said, I will ascertain approximately how long the repair works of the new buildings will take. I am told it should be done in the next four to six weeks but I will get a more precise timescale and communicate it to the Deputy.