David Norris (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State for reading the script. I do not put the responsibility for this case at his door. However, I hope it goes back to the relevant authorities that this is a very legalistic performance. The script says that they were phasing out married quarters and these people were caught up in this, accidentally. I have no wish to cast aspersions on the forensic capacity of the Garda Síochána. However, there is an enormous amount of circumstantial evidence to suggest that the fire was unlikely to have been caused by a cigarette. They would not have found a cigarette butt in a conflagration such as that, so there is no direct evidence there, I would think, but I do not know. In addition, there is a succession of evidence to suggest that the wiring was faulty. There were constant complaints, so there is that argument at least. In any event it is relevant.

Here were people who occupied these quarters in a type of grace and favour situation. The Army was phasing it out and this accident was more or less used, accordingly. I agree with the Minister of State who said, thank God, that there was no loss of life. Will those concerned please organise a meeting with this family? I should be prepared to act as facilitator or whatever, if that is thought to be appropriate. It is not right to dump these people on the side of the road to let them fend for themselves after the years of service. In terms of real human wastage, this problem will revert to the Army eventually. To opportunistically take advantage of a fire in order to get rid of people from a house is not a very enriching view of military life. I strongly reiterate my appeal to the Department to look again at this situation and try to do something for this decent family which has given service to the State, was provided with housing and is now left without it.

I am shocked that anybody might regard it as appropriate that a soldier who has served a long time and who, having had this facility, should be left with his family to fare for themselves in a homeless hostel. That is not right. No amount of legalism can make it right. I look forward to a meeting being arranged.