This new Signals Building has already in fact been in functional service by way of actual occupation since the 6th March. The two storey complex serves a number of units and element of the Defence Forces such as the 2 Field CIS Company, 2 Engineering Platoon Logistics Support Battalion, some civilian personnel from the staffs of the Barrack Foreman of Works and the Computer Training School of Brigade Training Centre. Indeed, the Field CIS Company and the Engineering Platoon were the last two military units to exit Collins Barracks here in Dublin on the 6th March. That Barracks then had the historical distinction, so I understand, of having the longest history of continual military occupation in Europe.

In regard to the accommodation of this range of diverse units and functions, these very important new facilities will now provide yet another additional element to the ongoing development of a 'state of the art' infrastructure for the Defence Forces. In particular, this new complex houses technical stores, radio workshops, administration office accommodation, lecture room, changing rooms with showers and canteen facilities. There are also offices for engineering administration and technical drawing, and their related workshops, along with fitting shops and stores associated with the civilian BFW barrack maintenance functions.

It is worth noting that all the architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical design work for this significant project was executed "in house" by the Engineer Platoon of 2 Logistics Support Battalion, which Platoon was formerly the No.2 Maintenance Engineer Company. I would like to complement all the military and civilian staffs involved on an excellent and most impressive job well done

On an occasion such as this, I would also like to refer to and express public appreciation and thanks for the important role of the Main Contractor, John Paul Construction Limited, who achieved the completion of on site building work in a very impressive 35 week period. The very high standard of workmanship evident throughout the new complex also merits a full and complementary mention here today. As many of you will know, John Paul Construction Limited have been involved in the completion of a number of major building projects for the Department of Defence over the past number of years, and the firm are currently also the main contractor on the new Swimming Pool project in the Curragh camp.

The Government has previously underlined its intention to provide for the modernisation and upgrading of the infrastructure of the Defence Forces, not least of course in the context of the recent Defence White Paper. It is recognised that such a modernisation programme has been required for some time and the White Paper indicated that a substantive element of financial resources for capital expenditure would become available over the future ten year period covered by the White Paper. Some £100 million in total is earmarked for the period 2001/03.

This communication building is one of a number of projects within the current Barracks infrastructural reinvestment programme. This important capital programme was initiated as a result of the closure of a number of barracks. A variety of other important capital projects in the Curragh, Collins Barracks Cork and here in Cathal Brugha will run to a cumulative cost figure of some £45 million. The completion of another major project such as this bears witness to the Government's commitment to the development and modernisation of the Defence Forces.

Finally, I would like to thank the Directorate of Engineering and all others involved in the preparation and organisation of this event today. I am confident that this new building will be a tremendous asset to the Defence Forces for very many years into the future and I have great pleasure therefore in officially declaring this new building open.