Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Defence the revenue obtained from property sales from 1997 to date in 2006; the position regarding this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17113/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Defence the receipts to date from the sale of military installations, decommissioned in 1998 and since either disposed of, rented, leased or otherwise; the amount accruing to the State on an annual basis from such rents or leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 473 together.

The Government, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question were located at Ballincollig, Fermoy, Castleblayney, Naas, Kildare and Islandbridge, Dublin. The value of sales/disposals completed to date in respect of the six barracks the subject of the July 1998 Government decision, together with additional military property which was surplus to military requirements, is in the region of €90 million. Where properties are identified as surplus to military requirements, they are disposed of by way of sale rather than lease or rental.

In accordance with the Government's commitment under the White Paper on Defence the funding realised from the sale of properties has been used for an ongoing equipment and infrastructure modernisation programme. This programme has ensured that the Defence Forces are fully equipped with the most modern of equipment for their day-to-day roles, both at home and on overseas missions.