Written answers

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Property

9:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a notice to vacate by 30 October 2008 has been issued by his Department to a number of families living in Cathal Brugha Barracks married quarters in Rathmines, Dublin 6; and if he will meet with the families concerned who have resided in the quarters for more than 30 years. [34119/08]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Defence Forces Married Quarters are provided to serving members until their retirement or resignation. The Defence Forces Regulations state that the Quarters must be vacated within 15 days of leaving the service. The current situation has arisen as a result of a failure to do so.

Following previous attempts to resolve the situation regarding the unauthorised occupation of the quarters in question, a letter was sent to the occupiers on the 11 September 2008 as a first stage in commencing a process of dialogue. The occupiers were requested to make arrangements to vacate the premises and make alternative arrangements for their accommodation as soon as possible, but no later that the end of October 2008. On the 18th September a further letter issued to the occupiers inviting them to a meeting with the Department on the 23 September. At that meeting they were informed that the deadline was not set in stone and that, if at all possible, my Department would welcome the opportunity to work with them to achieve a solution favourable to all parties. It would appear now, that arising from that meeting, all occupiers wish to purchase the quarters.

My officials undertook to review the possibility of selling to the occupiers and a further meeting has been scheduled for the end of October. It is hoped that substantial progress will have been made by that time to facilitate a solution that meets the needs of both the occupiers and the Defence Forces. I am encouraged that the process of dialogue has commenced and hope that it will come to a satisfactory conclusion. As discussions are currently ongoing I do not consider a meeting between myself and the residents is necessary or appropriate at this time.

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