Michael Smith (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to outline the position regarding the FCA summer camps at Castlebar barracks.

It is not my intention to close any Reserve Defence Force facility. A number of works were carried out at Castlebar barracks in 2002. These included the re-roofing of the dining hall at a cost of €37,000 and the upgrading of the dining hall and other areas at a cost of €73,000. These upgrading works included the installation of fire alarms, ceiling repairs, electrical rewiring, heating, fire doors, shower, ablutions in the billet block and tarmacadam. In addition, local services contracts to service routine maintenance works were completed at a cost of €84,000 which covered windows, doors, gutters, painting and decorating.

The resources I have provided for the Reserve have dramatically improved and I also ensured that the clothing and rifle issues were addressed. There is no doubt that the Government has upgraded the Reserve's facilities in every way possible.

The electrical rewiring within the sleeping accommodation is in need of upgrading. As safety is paramount, it has been decided by the military authorities that the sleeping billets will, therefore, not be available for use this summer. Renovations are also necessary to upgrade kitchen facilities to meet health and safety requirements. Fair-minded people will accept that it will not be possible to have this work completed in time for summer camp.