asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the rundown condition of the military barracks in Waterford city, especially in respect of personnel facilities and accommodation; if it is intended modernising and upgrading this barracks; and if he will specify his intention, in detail, in this matter.

16.

asked the Minister for Defence the moneys (a) capital and (b) current spent on the Military Barracks, Waterford, in each year since 1973.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.

The maintenance of Waterford barracks is related to the limited use to which it is put. There are no present plans to modernise and upgrade the barracks.

One thousand, seven hundred and ninety-four pounds was expended in 1976 and approximately £500 in 1977 on maintenance works at the barracks. There has been no other significant expenditure since 1973.

Is the Minister not aware that the barracks are old, that the housing accommodation there is very poor and that there is dampness in the houses? Would he not consider that these barracks could play a greater role in the context of the Army by, for instance, the establishment there of a battalion on a permanent basis?

The Deputy knows that there is no permanent company located at the Waterford barracks. As I understand the position, the premises are used only as a summer camp for the Permanent Defence Force, for the FCA and for Slua Muirí.

Is it not wasteful to use the barracks only for this purpose when it could be used for training? Its existence provides an opportunity for the establishment in Waterford of a permanent company.

The policy has been to retain barracks for possible emergency use and that policy has been upheld in the Department by all my predecessors.