Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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144. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the St. Bricin's military hospital in Stoneybatter, which is currently lying idle, could be readied in case of emergency or surge capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21260/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, the Deputy will appreciate that this is an active military installation. The Land Development Agency (LDA) have confirmed a future interest in acquiring the St. Bricin's medical facility in Dublin City. Department officials and the Defence Forces have scoped out the implications of accommodating the services currently provided at St. Bricin's to an alternative location elsewhere in the Defence Forces property portfolio.

In that regard, the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme includes provision for the relocation and development of a new purpose built medical facility. When completed, the relocation will maintain the provision of the existing comprehensive range of medical care currently provided to all serving personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces.

In addition, Department officials have progressed pre-contract matters, relating to Title and other formalities in advance of the formal transfer of the property to the LDA. These pre-transfer matters have largely been concluded and the Department are now awaiting the formal commencement by the LDA of the transfer.

The Department of Defence will continue to liaise with the LDA in accordance with the Government’s decision on the establishment of the LDA.