Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Defence the plans he has to upgrade accommodation in the various military barracks throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14542/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Department is engaged in an ongoing building and maintenance programme. One of the key objectives of the building programme is the modernisation and enhancement of the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The capital building programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The ongoing maintenance programme ensures that necessary repairs are carried out at all military installations. My Department maintains a master list of projects for development and the list is reviewed periodically based on current needs and priority projects are identified.

The 2012 provision for capital works at military installations is €6.74 million, including a capital carryover from 2011 of €500k. This compares with a capital provision of €10.14 million for 2011. A further €7.46 million has been provided for maintenance (non-capital) works at military installations compared to €8.36 million for 2011.

Despite the reduction in the allocation for 2012, the building and maintenance programme will endeavour to ensure that members of the Defence Forces are provided with the best possible facilities to meet their needs.