Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding overholders in the Curragh, County Kildare; the position regarding his Department's proposals to address the matter; his plan to provide alternative accommodation for these persons and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5763/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Personnel on being discharged from the Permanent Defence Force are obliged to vacate married quarters within a short period of the dates of their discharge. The provision of housing is primarily a matter for the local authorities and married military personnel have an equal claim on such housing as other members of the community in the same income category. My Department is continuing to examine all options, including affordable housing and voluntary and co-operative housing schemes, with regard to the re-housing of those overholders who would in the normal way be eligible for local authority housing. The Department remains in contact with the overholders pending resolution of the issue.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of houses purchased by tenants at an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number still in negotiation; his proposals to conclude the stated sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5764/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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To date 85 of the 100 houses at Orchard Park have been sold to the occupants. A contract of sale and deed of transfer have been executed in respect of another case. Two further houses are in the process of being sold by tender and it is expected that these sales will also be completed in 2005. The sales of the remaining 12 quarters to the occupants are being actively pursued.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the takeover of the Orchard Park housing estate, The Curragh, County Kildare by Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5765/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Kildare County Council has advised that the roads, services etc. at Orchard Park will have to be brought up to the required standard before they will be taken in charge. It is hoped to undertake a programme of works later in the year to ensure the facilities at the estate are up to the standard required. In the interim a contractor is being engaged to carry out emergency repairs to the roads.