asked the Minister for Defence if motor vehicle ZD 3164 was ever the property of his Department; and, if so, on what date and how it was disposed of.

Motor vehicle ZD 3164 was the property of my Department. It was one of a number of vehicles sold by public auction on the 23rd April, 1969 and was removed by the purchaser on 25th April.

I understand from the Minister that the carrier was removed from the premises of the Department on 25th April. Is the Minister aware that from that date the troop carrier has been dumped at Newlands on the Naas Road? Will the Minister be good enough to notify the Garda Síochána of the name and address of the purchaser so that the vehicle may be removed?

The responsibility of my Department ceased when the vehicle was sold. The onus for its disposal afterwards does not rest with my Department.

Can the Minister say whether the Department in question have notified the Motor Registration Office in accordance with their obligation so to do?

All the legal requirements of my Department have been honoured.