asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the unease and uncertainty existing among Army and FCA personnel at present accommodated at Templemore Garda Training Centre, County Tipperary arising from the proposals to revamp and refurbish the entire centre including the buildings occupied by them at present; if adequate alternative accommodation and facilities will be provided within the centre; if the present level of activity and staffing will be maintained; if members of the forces based there at present will not be redeployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

18.

asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the accommodation problem for Army and FCA personnel arising from the decision to build a new Garda training depot in Templemore, County Tipperary; if he will guarantee adequate accommodation for existing personnel both for the Army and FCA in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 18 together.

Arising from the proposed transfer to the Department of Justice of the existing accommodation of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (FCA) at McCann Barracks, Templemore, arrangements will be made to provide alternative accommodation for the regiment in a separate area of the barracks.

Before the modernisation plans were finalised for the Garda Training Centre at Templemore, would the Minister say whether there was consultation with the Department of Defence regarding the accommodation requirements of the Defence Forces? Would the Minister confirm that the final application for planning permission does not include any area to accommodate Defence Forces personnel at present employed there?

I can assure the Deputy that agreement has been reached between the Departments of Justice and Defence to transfer a portion of McCann Barracks, which includes existing accommodation for the headquarters of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment and a battery headquarters. An area of approximately half an acre at the south-western corner of the barracks will be retained for the purpose of building a new regimental and battery headquarters and drill hall. I might add that in addition, there are a number of prefabricated buildings which will be used as temporary accommodation pending the construction of the new building.

Would the Minister confirm that the same level of activity and staffing levels will obtain under the new arrangement?

I do not think I have that information here. I will ask the Minister to communicate directly with the Deputy in that regard.