Defence Forces Personnel

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Questions (441, 442)

Dara Murphy

Question:

441. Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if the Naval Association has approval as a Defence Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41497/12]

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442. Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of Defence Associations that operate within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41498/12]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 441 and 442 together.

The Department of Defence provides annual subventions to support and encourage the two officially recognised veteran groups, O.N.E. and IUNVA and representatives of both organisations hold formal meetings with Departmental officials. While there is a range of other associations involving serving, retired and ex-Defence Forces personnel representing various interests at local, regional and national level, including the Naval Association, these are not formally recognised by the Department and the Department has no plans to do so.