asked the Minister for Defence if any persons subject to military law are at present detained in the military detention barracks at Arbour Hill.

Yes.

May I ask the Minister how he can justify to the Defence Forces, to the Army for which he has responsibility, an affirmative answer? In other words, the Minister is tolerating the detention of persons for whom he is responsible in conditions which are so bad that the Minister for Justice refused to allow civilian prisoners to be transferred there.

I wish to make it clear that there is a limited amount of suitable accommodation at Arbour Hill and that this is adequate for the requirements of the Defence Forces at the moment.

Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Justice told us here last week that Arbour Hill was absolutely unsuited physically for human habitation and that this was why it was not considered for the transfer of civilian prisoners, not because it was limited in its space but because conditions there are so bad?

The amount of suitable accommodation there is very limited but there is sufficient to cater adequately and suitably for Defence requirements.

How many persons are detained in Arbour Hill now?

I am calling Question No. 56.

I am not prepared to say except that the number is small.

Can the Minister say what steps have been taken to improve conditions at the prison in Arbour Hill during the past few years?

It has not been required during the past number of years but at all times there is a certain amount of suitable accommodation there and, as I have said, this is adequate to meet military requirements at the moment. It is being used accordingly.

Is the reason that it has not been offered that it is not fit for human habitation?

I have not said that. Thank God the accommodation there, although limited, is adequate for military requirements now.

What part of the prison is the suitable accommodation limited to?

Parts of Arbour Hill prison are suitable to accommodate detainees.

I know the prison fairly well and I can tell the Minister that none of it is fit for human habitation.

If the Deputy makes further inquiries, he will find that what I have said is true.

56.

asked the Minister for Defence why Arbour Hill was not used for the purposes of the Prisons Act, 1972.

The accommodation in the military detention barracks, Curragh Training Camp, has been found adequate for the purposes of the Act.