With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
As I informed the Deputy on 21 October 1980, in reply to a previous question, the firm with which a contract was placed by the National Building Agency Ltd., on behalf of my Department, for the construction of flats at the barracks, was then in receivership. Accordingly it was necessary to arrange for the placing of a contract with another firm. The National Building Agency Ltd., offered a contract to such a firm. As this firm sought a significant increase on its original tender price, it was decided to invite fresh tenders. The tenders are due on 6 February 1981, and I expect that it will be possible to place a contract soon afterwards. The contract will be for the construction of 12 flats and will provide that work should commence within seven days of the placing of the contract.
It is expected that the flats will be completed within a year of commencement of the work. The 12 dwellings will be the first phase of a programme for the replacement of the married quarters at the barracks. A clear site is available and accordingly the vacation of quarters pending the provision of the new dwellings will not arise.