asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether the Army Benevolent Association has been accorded official recognition or is in any way associated with the Department of Defence; further, whether he will state if he or his Department is responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the policy or activities of the organisation in question, and if so, to what extent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Benevolent Association.
Mr. Corish
I presume that the Deputy's question relates to the Army Benevolent Fund. The fund is an independent voluntary organisation, having for its principal objects and purposes the provision of relief in cases of necessity or distress for members of the reserve and ex-members of the Defence Forces and the assistance of members of the reserve and ex-members of the Defence Forces in obtaining employment. Its affairs are centrally managed by a council consisting of a number of Army officers and chaplains and a number of ladies and gentlemen who have accepted membership. Its rules also provide for county or area committees throughout the country for the conduct of the business of the fund within such counties or areas. The fund is officially recognised, having been established in 1930 by the then Minister for Defence and reorganised by me last year. It does not, however, derive any revenue from public funds.
Subject to the control which the rules enable the Minister for Defence to exercise, if necessary, the fund, through its council, executive committee and local committees, manages its own affairs. Since public funds are not involved, the Department of Defence is not responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the policy or activities of the fund.