Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Defence the estimated value of the property at St. Bricin's Hospital which was handed over to Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23969/06]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Defence the funding received by his Department from Dublin City Council for the site at St. Bricin's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24180/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 205 together.

The Government agreed on 16 December 2003 to the release of circa 2.5 acres at St. Bricin's Military Hospital, Dublin for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. The primary purpose of the Initiative is to maximize the early delivery of affordable housing units. The site is being transferred to Dublin City Council as specified by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for a nominal consideration.

A valuation carried out by the Commissioner of Valuation in February 2005 indicated an estimated value of €9.5 million. It is the responsibility of Dublin City Council, as advised by the National Development Finance Agency, to ensure that value for money is achieved in respect of the use of the site for the initiative. The legal formalities in relation to the transfer of the site to Dublin City Council are nearing completion.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Defence the property his Department owns at Bere Island, Cork; if property was disposed of on the island; if so, the extent of this property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23974/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Bere Island, Co. Cork, was among the Coastal Defence Properties handed over to Irish administration in 1938. At that time, approximately 800 acres was taken over by my Department. However, since the 1960's, the State has sold a considerable area of land and my Department currently administers approximately 176 acres on the island. The property is vested in the Minister for Finance.