asked the Minister for Defence the up-to-date position in relation to the provision of new married quarters in Collins Barracks, Cork.

As I informed the Deputy in reply to a previous question on 22 March 1983, the planning of the quarters in question has reached an advanced stage. I cannot, however, say when the necessary financial resources will be available to enable them to be built.

Would the Minister agree that the married quarters in Cork are the most primitive examples of housing in Cork city? Can he indicate if this matter is being given priority in this year's programme?

As I have indicated to the Deputy, it is a question of financial resources being available. As soon as they become available arrangements for building married quarters in Cork will be pursued.

What money is needed to commence this project?

We have not gone to tender, so I do not know.

8.

(Clare) asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to construct any further married quarters for the Defence Forces during 1984.

The necessary financial resources are not available to enable any such quarters to be built this year.

As the Deputy is aware, the provision of housing is primarily a matter for the local authorities and married soldiers have an equal claim on such housing with other members of the community in the same category. It has, however, been the policy to supplement the efforts of local authorities where soldiers' housing needs are greatest. In pursuance of that policy, planning has been carried out for the construction of new houses for married soldiers at the Curragh Camp, Collins Barracks, and Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny.