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For Written Answer on : 21/11/2023
Question Number(s): 125 Question Reference(s): 51035/23
Department: Defence
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his Department’s plans for the provision and upgrade of living accommodation for Defence Forces personnel in the State’s respective military institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
It is a long-standing policy that long term residential accommodation is no longer provided. There is no immediate plan to reverse this long-standing policy, which was introduced in the early 1990’s and was implemented on a gradual basis in recognition of the sensitivities involved for military personnel and their families.
The Deputy may wish to note that there are over 4,500 military accommodation bed spaces for Defence Forces personnel across the country. A key feature of the Infrastructure Development Plan is the modernisation and upgrading of accommodation facilities for serving members of the Defence Forces and under this Plan a further 500 additional beds spaces are scheduled for provision throughout the country.
Earlier this year I instructed that, where possible, the remaining Defence Forces housing stock be reconfigured to provide Single Living In accommodation for serving personnel. I am advised that the Defence Forces have commenced the procurement process for the assessment of the suitability of existing stock for reconfiguration to modern standards and this competition will be completed shortly.
