The NCOs Mess building, which is approximately 100 years old, has been completely refurbished and now includes a lounge/bar, a function room which can cater for 200 people, an ante-room/library, a TV room, an office, bathroom facilities and a car park. In addition there is a snooker room, bedrooms and bathroom facilities on the first floor.

 It is an impressive facility and all involved in the project can feel proud of what has been achieved.

 While it is the duty of the Defence Forces to serve the state, it is the duty of the State to look after the Defence Forces and ensure that they are adequately prepared for their tasks. In this, their welfare plays a large part. It is important that they have proper training and recreational facilities. For this reason I am delighted to see the NCOs Mess coming on stream.

 I would like to extend a sincere and warm welcome to our various guests. In particular, I welcome the representatives of the design and construction teams who have brought this major £2.1 million (€2.67 million) project through from design stage to completion.

 I would like to express my gratitude to those involved in the project:-

• the project Architect Comdt. Dick O Neill, Planning and Design Section, Curragh Camp;
• the Directorate of Engineering who coordinated all aspects of the project;
• Messrs. Clarke and Associates, who provided the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Services;
• McBains Cooper, Quantity Surveyors;
• Mr. Colm Hassett, Structural Engineer;
• Mr. Mike Meredith, Site Foreman, Roseberry Developments Ltd. (Main Contractor).

  The standards of design and construction are most impressive. All credit to those involved in the project. I would like to particularly thank Mr. Michael Doherty, Director of Roseberry Developments Ltd., the main contractors for the project, for the efficient manner in which they undertook the project and brought it to fruition. Messrs. Roseberry Developments Ltd., are based here in Straffan, Co. Kildare.

   As I mentioned at the recent opening of the New Swimming Pool,

  I have a keen interest in the Defence Forces and I keep in touch with any developments affecting the organisation. In this connection, I fully support the measures taken by the Minister for Defence to improve the working conditions of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps since he took office. Our military personnel have always maintained a high standard of integrity and an ability to carry out the many and varied tasks given to them. Recently, the Defence Forces completed 23 years United Nations peacekeeping service in the Lebanon, an outstanding achievement by any standards.

   The completion of this building project is another important step in the development process. It forms part of the Barrack Re-investment Programme which was designed to provide modern living, operational and training accommodation for troops.

   The Programme is centered mainly on the Curragh Camp and Collins Barrack, Cork. The total cost of the programme, which will be completed in 2003, is estimated at £45 million (€57.1 million). Approximately £30 million (€38 million) of this will have been invested here in the Curragh Camp. In addition to the NCOs Mess East the following projects are being undertaken:-

  Transport Technical Stores, Swimming Pool and Gymnasium, Ordnance and Transport Schools, Student accommodation facilities at Connolly Barracks and the NCOs Mess, West.

   In conclusion, I would like to thank all those involved in the preparation and organisation of today's event and to congratulate all those associated with the completion of the Mess. It now gives me great pleasure to declare the Mess open.