18 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Defence if new training facilities for the Naval Service are to be made available at Ringaskiddy, County Cork; and, if so, when.

34 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the protracted delay in providing a training camp for the Naval Service at Ringaskiddy, County Cork he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 34 together.

Cork Harbour Commissioners have now approved the transfer to my Department of a site at Ringaskiddy for the purpose of providing training facilities for the Naval Service. Planning for the provision of these facilities will be progressed without delay. I would like to record my thanks to Cork Harbour Commissioners for their co-operation in this matter.

When does the Minister envisage training commencing on this site?

There was a considerable problem in acquiring the site at Ringaskiddy. I am glad Deputy Barry has come into the House.

My apologies for being late.

The Deputy is in plenty of time to ask supplementaries.

If I knew what question we are dealing with I could ask supplementaries.

I replied to two questions in the name of Deputy Barry.

What was the reply?

Cork Harbour Commissioners have transferred a site at Ringaskiddy for the purpose of providing training facilities and planning for the provision of these facilities is being progressed. I repeat my thanks to Cork Harbour Commissioners for their co-operation in this matter.

I am glad this site is being transferred, but I am a little concerned that it is not suitable as a training facility. Much work needs to be done here and I hope the Minister will ensure that it goes ahead as quickly as possible.

I can assure the Deputy of that. From the time we lost Spike Island to the Department of Justice there have been problems, with training taking place at the naval base at Haulbowline and at Murphy Barracks, which is not a suitable way of training.

Would the Minister indicate what facilities he proposes to put on the site adjacent to Haulbowline?

It is proposed that facilities will be provided which will allow for the discontinuance of the schizoid training at Haulbowline and Murphy Barracks in Ballincollig. It is proposed to centralise training, making up for the loss of Spike Island.