asked the Minister for Defence whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the Castlebar Urban Council requesting that the military barracks in that town should be utilised for housing purposes, and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With the exception of a couple of blocks which it is proposed to retain for military purposes, the barracks is surplus to military requirements and will shortly be transferred to the control of the Commissioners of Public Works to whom the representations of the Council will be communicated.

Are we to understand from the Minister that this will apply to other vacant barracks in the Saorstát? Will it apply, for instance, to Ballincollig Barracks in Cork Borough?

It will apply to a good number, not to all.

Will it apply to Ballincollig Barracks?

It will, I think. Perhaps the Deputy will submit another question in that respect.