Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Defence if work will commence in 2009 on renovating and converting C house, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, to single officers quarters in order to alleviate the situation of officers forced to live in steel containers at that barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9878/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The position is unchanged since I previously addressed this issue in reply to Question No. 111 of 4 February 2009. Some 20 containerised accommodation units have been provided for temporary accommodation for third level students at Cathal Brugha Barracks. These units consist of en suite accommodation and are fully furnished and heated. The military authorities advise that the units are compliant with all relevant regulations and are similar to units used for accommodating troops on some missions overseas. The accommodation in question is currently occupied by officers of the Defence Forces who are attending college on a full-time basis in the Dublin area. It is only used during term-time, with the relevant officers returning to their home bases during holiday periods. These officers are not charged for this accommodation.

The officers were previously accommodated at the Curragh and Gormanstown Camps and transported by bus by the military to college in Dublin. They found that this arrangement did not allow them to participate fully in all college activities and asked to be accommodated closer to college. The most immediate way of providing this accommodation was through the provision of temporary containerised accommodation units.

The requirement for more permanent living-in accommodation at Cathal Brugha Barracks is being considered as part of overall Defence Force requirements. A study into single living-in accommodation across all of the Defence Forces, with a view to defining the major priority areas for provision and refurbishment, is ongoing. Given that the current requirement at Cathal Brugha Barracks arises as a result of university attendance, it may be the case that there will actually be no requirement for additional accommodation at the barracks in the long term. This must be factored into our consideration, particularly in light of the cost of constructing permanent accommodation blocks.

The provision of any accommodation required will be undertaken in the context of the overall Defence Force infrastructure development programme. This will be implemented as part of the ongoing capital programme in my Department. Projects in this programme are prioritised in respect of addressing the Defence Forces' operational requirements, taking into account the annual capital allocation for the ongoing building programme. In light of the current set of priorities, it is unlikely that this project will commence during the current year. Should the current allocation change, the building programme will be reviewed and projects in the programme will be prioritised on a needs basis.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I visited Cathal Brugha Barracks and saw the containers in question. I do not agree with the Minister's assertion that they are comfortable and suitable for officers trying to study for examinations. It is unfair to state that these are the type of containers used on foreign missions. There is a major difference between soldiers operating on foreign missions and those at home trying to study. What is happening is completely unacceptable.

On my trip to the barracks, I visited C house and was surprised to discover that extensive renovations and repairs have been carried out there. In that context, a new roof has been put in place and new windows have been fitted. I am convinced that the money used to pay for the containers would have been sufficient to complete the works being carried out in respect of C house and make it suitable as living quarters. What is the cost relating to the provision of these containers? Is the Minister in a position to provide a figure with regard to the cost of completing the renovation of C house?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As already stated, the officers who are pursuing their studies and who are accommodated in these containers were originally based further afield and were being transported to college by bus. These individuals wanted to be based closer to college and were given the choice to move to their current accommodation. I accept that it is not an ideal situation. Nevertheless, we must consider the overall position. It may be the case that this is only a temporary arrangement and there may be no need for further extensive capital works at Cathal Brugha Barracks. If there is a need for such works, they may not attract the same priority as that attaching to projects which are slated to proceed this year.

I do not have the precise cost relating to the provision of the containers to hand. However, I will communicate further with the Deputy on the matter. I understand that completing the refurbishment of C house would cost in the region of €1.6 million.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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As the Minister is aware, those in the Army will do what the Minister asks of them. In that context, if young officers such as those to whom I refer are asked to live in containers, they will do so. The figures I possess do not indicate that €1.6 million would be required to complete the refurbishment of C house, or an adequate portion of it, to enable the officers in question to be accommodated there. It struck me that C house could be refurbished for a considerably smaller sum of money.

What was the exact cost of providing the containers? It is amazing that the Minister does not have the figures in that regard to hand. In the review of accommodation at barracks nationwide, I hope special priority will be given to removing the containers at Cathal Brugha Barracks as soon as possible. In my view, these containers are an embarrassment to the Defence Forces.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I reiterate that the official costing relating to the refurbishment of C house is €1.6 million. I have an idea with regard to the cost of the temporary accommodation, but I do not have a precise figure. I would not like to be misquoted in that regard.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should indicate his idea of the cost.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I will provide the Deputy with the precise figure so that there will be no confusion. The Army did not ask anyone to occupy containers. The officers in question decided it would be better for them to be accommodated nearer to the college at which they are studying. They were informed that accommodation such as that available at Gormanstown or the Curragh would not be available and that they would be obliged to avail of the temporary accommodation on offer in the form of these containers. Those in question opted to occupy the containers. I did not ask them to do so, nor did I insist that they should do so. The Army was prepared to continue to transport them to college by bus, if that was what they desired.