asked the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the erection of a new military barracks at Cavan.

(Dún Laoghaire): A site for the proposed new military post at Cavan is at present being acquired. Arrangements for building will be made when the necessary planning has been completed and financial resources allow.

: Did the Minister say "is being acquired"?

(Dún Laoghaire): A site for the proposed new military post proposed at Cavan is at present being acquired.

: Could the Minister tell me when the acquisition will be completed?

(Dún Laoghaire): Certain details in regard to the site at Pullamore Farm had to be settled before it could be accepted. Arrangements for the exchange are now in hand and the matter is expected to be finalised shortly.

: Is there a question of money involved?

(Dún Laoghaire): I think the Deputy is referring to the exchange of a site at Drumilish.

: Is there an exchange of money involved also?

(Dún Laoghaire): There will be money involved.

: Is the money available in the Minister's Department?

(Dún Laoghaire): That question does not arise at present because until such time as arrangements for the exchange are completed, we cannot say whether the money is available. There is an allocation for capital works in 1983 and it has to be decided if it will come out of that.

: Has the Minister any idea when the acquisition will be completed?

(Dún Laoghaire): Very shortly.

: In a month's time?

(Dún Laoghaire): I hope it will be shortly.

: Will building commence in 1983?

(Dún Laoghaire): I would not like to give that guarantee.

: I call that avoidance, not evasion.

: What reference did the Minister make in the latter part of his reply to the availability of capital?

(Dún Laoghaire): I made the point that the Department's allocation for capital works in 1983 is £3.5 million.

: The Minister said something in his reply about "subject to availability". Is that so?

(Dún Laoghaire): The Deputy will appreciate there are a number of other projects to be considered.

: Could the Minister tell me what he said about capital in his formal reply?

(Dún Laoghaire): I did not mention anything about capital in my formal reply.

: The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.