195 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to improve conditions in Kickham Barracks, Clonmel; the number in the barracks and their rank; the proposals, if any, he has to increase the number of personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3013/00]

Accommodation and facilities for military personnel in Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, are kept under review and refurbishment and routine maintenance are undertaken as circumstances require and the availability of resources permits. Projects totalling over £200,000 were completed in the barracks during the period 1995 to 1999, including upgrading of accommodation, roof repairs, painting and upgrading of the water supply.

It is not the policy to disclose the number of personnel located at any particular military post or barracks. The military authorities advise that 12 Infantry Battalion, which is located at both Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, and Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, is scheduled to recruit and train four platoons this year. They anticipate that two of these platoons will be trained at Kickham Barracks. It is also proposed, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, to decentralise the Directorate of Reserve Forces and the Directorate of Training to Kickham Barracks.