Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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11. To ask the Minister for Defence the amount of money spent on an annual basis on maintaining family quarters in the Curragh Camp; the amount of rent collected from these properties; and the number of any such units in any other location. [52902/13]

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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17. To ask the Minister for Defence in relation to the Curragh Camp, the number of accommodation units occupied by serving members of the Defence Forces and their families; the number of units occupied by ex-servicemen and or their families; the number of empty units previously occupied by families. [52910/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 17 together.

Fifty four (54) of the properties are located at the Curragh Camp. The properties located at the Curragh Camp include 25 occupied by serving personnel and their families and 29 occupied by overholders. Presently, it is understood from the military authorities that there are a further 47 vacant properties at the Camp which were formerly occupied as married quarters. However none of these are habitable.

The general upkeep and maintenance of occupied properties is a matter for the occupant. Routine repairs of an emergency nature are, however, undertaken by the military authorities from time to time as required. In respect of the properties located at the Curragh Camp, it is understood from the military authorities that the cost of these repairs to date in 2013 amounted to €28,500 and the corresponding amount spent in 2012 was €32,000. These figures include both military personnel time and materials and the use of external contractors where necessary. The requirement for more extensive remedial works to properties is overseen by the Department. It has been found that over time the properties in general would require a significant and disproportionate investment in order to ensure compliance with regulations regarding rental properties. In light of this it was decided to withdraw the properties from use as Married Quarters due to Health and Safety concerns.

The total rent collected in respect of those occupying married quarters at the Curragh Camp was €150,729.36 for 2012, and a total of €144,772.54 has been collected to the end of November 2013.