Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am very disappointed with the response. Clearly, if those who served this country played GAA games instead they would have a better chance of getting the necessary premises to carry out their social activities in retirement. The respect that is being shown here to soldiers who have served this country, not only in Ireland but overseas, is despicable. It is not good enough.

I would appeal to the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, as somebody who has a bit of common sense.It is clear that nobody wants this building. Since the barracks was closed in March 2012 no interest has been shown in it. This situation cannot be compared with Clonmel where the Minister of State is one of the lead people and made sure that a plan was put in place. That was not the case in Westmeath. If Westmeath County Council was interested in the building then the opportunity would have been availed of by now.

The answer given by the Minister of State is a fob-off generated by Department officials. I ask him to intervene in the situation because I know he is somebody who prioritises people's interests. I ask him to move this matter on much further than has been stated in his response.