Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding his proposal for a national memorial to commemorate deceased members of the Defence Forces who have died in service; when he expects this monument to be ready; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6306/08]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in the construction of the promised national monument to honour deceased members of the Defence Forces; if it is intended to proceed with the planned location in Merrion Square, Dublin 2; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6327/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 162 together.

The Memorial being designed by the artist, Mr. Brian King, is a pyramid shape made primarily of granite slabs resting on a steel frame interspaced with toughened glass panels. In the structure there are figures representing members of the Defence Forces. Four Defence Forces personnel in relief are cast in bronze, representing the Air Corps, Army and Naval Service both permanent and reserve.

The concept is simple in theory but has proven more difficult in practice due to the intricacy of the design and the need to ensure precise compatibility of each component part.

This is a complex art piece comprising many components, the four main components being, stone, steel, glass and bronze. Each individual component is crafted by specialists and the artist has worked closely with the various craftspeople to ensure precision in each component part to ensure minimum delay in constructing the piece. It is important that the extra time needed is spent at this stage to ensure the overall success of the project when it goes on site.

The memorial, which will be situated in Merrion Square, Dublin, is expected to be completed by the end of June 2008.