Wednesday, 5 Jul 2017

Written Answers Nos. 252-271

Disability Allowance Applications

Questions (252)

Robert Troy

Question:

252. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a disability review for a person (details supplied). [31707/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

An application for disability allowance was received from the person in question by the department on 16 February 2017. The claim, based upon the evidence submitted, was disallowed by a deciding officer (DO) on medical grounds on 24 April 2017.

Further medical evidence was received and a review of this decision was carried out. The original decision was upheld and the person concerned was notified in writing on 3 July 2017. She was also advised of her right to appeal this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Questions (253)

Catherine Martin

Question:

253. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce guidelines for the construction and placement of telecommunication masts; and his further plans to encourage telecommunication providers to share services rather than place additional antennae on masts. [31584/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

My Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures in 1996.  They are intended to facilitate planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, the licensed providers of mobile telecommunications services and the public by providing guidance on dealing with these developments within the planning system.   In 2012, my Department issued Circular Letter PL07/12 to planning authorities, updating certain sections of these Guidelines. 

The Guidelines provide advice on appropriate location and siting considerations for telecommunication installations and masts to be considered in the development planning and development management process.  They also advise planning authorities to encourage co-location of antennae on existing support structures and masts in order to reduce visual impact.

Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, planning authorities  and An Board Pleanála are required to have regard to any Ministerial guidelines in the performance of their functions. 

The Guidelines, and subsequent Circular Letter, are available on my Department’s website at the following links:

www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/FileDownLoad%2C1630%2Cen.doc.

and

www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/FileDownLoad%2C31650%2Cen.pdf.

Public Sector Staff Retirements

Questions (254)

Martin Heydon

Question:

254. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the options available to a person who is close to 65 years of age and works in a local authority but does not wish to retire when they reach that age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31749/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, a contract of employment may set out the maximum retirement age for all officers and non-officers of a local authority.

The Local Government Superannuation Scheme rules specifically provide that an officer who is a pre-2004 entrant ceases to be pensionable at age 65 and therefore must retire.

Under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, the minimum retirement age for employees appointed between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 is 65 but they may work beyond that date.  Employees appointed since 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and for most members their minimum pension age is linked to the State Pension age.

House Prices

Questions (255)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which he may be in a position to address the issue of dramatically increasing house prices by one or other means to address the housing requirements of young families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31767/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Questions Nos. 654 and 655 of 4 July 2017 which sets out the position on this matter.

Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee Report

Questions (256)

Catherine Martin

Question:

256. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the timeframe under which he plans to define the extended city boundary of Cork; the timeframe to set the terms of reference for a local electoral area boundary committee to define the local electoral areas for Cork City Council and Cork County Council for the 2019 local elections; and the timeframe for the local electoral areas for Cork city council and Cork county council for the 2019 local elections to be known. [31592/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The Programme for a Partnership Government sets out a number of requirements in relation to local government reform, involving a report to Government and the Oireachtas by mid-2017 on potential measures to boost local government leadership and accountability, including a commitment to consider reducing the size of local electoral areas.

The report will be presented to Government and the Oireachtas in early autumn and, depending on the outcome of consideration of the  report, any review of local electoral area boundaries would be undertaken in good time before the 2019 local elections.

The changes recommended by the Cork Expert Advisory Group report represent the most significant population transfer associated with a local government boundary extension in Ireland.  To ensure that the challenges of implementation are addressed effectively, an Implementation Oversight Group is to be established to oversee the process. Its initial main task will be to submit a detailed Implementation Plan early in the Autumn which will help to clarify timescales for various aspects of the process.

Housing Policy

Questions (257)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

257. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans for an audit of vacant commercial properties, specifically shops, by county, as was carried out when establishing the list of vacant homes in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31619/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The Programme for a Partnership Government, published in May 2016, includes a commitment to examine reclassifying and incentivising the use of underutilised or vacant areas over ground floor premises in urban areas, for both residential and commercial use.

Similarly, a key objective of Pillar 5 of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, launched in July 2016, is to ensure that existing housing stock is used to the maximum degree possible and focuses on measures to use existing vacant stock to renew urban and rural areas. 

Specifically, Action 5.9 of Rebuilding Ireland commits to reviewing planning legislation to allow the change of use of vacant commercial units in urban areas, including vacant or under-utilised areas over ground-floor premises, into residential units without having to go through the planning process. This proposal is also incorporated in Action 6 of the Action Plan for Rural Development, launched in January 2017. My Department is presently progressing the drafting of the necessary revisions to the planning regulations to give effect to this action and it is intended that the new regulations, which will require the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas, will be made as soon as possible.

While I have no plans to initiate specifically an audit of vacant commercial properties, there are a number of initiatives which seek to address this issue. My Department is working with Dublin City Council in the context of the Living City Initiative (LCI), to explore the potential for further streamlining of the approach to redeveloping and re-utilising vacant properties. The aim of the LCI is to bring life back into designated historic areas of our main cities by offering tax relief for qualifying expenditure incurred on the refurbishment or conversion of certain buildings, where qualifying conditions are met.

In this context, the City Council has examined approximately 11,000 rateable units in its functional area. From a visual analysis in a sample number of streets, the City Council has estimated that there may be approximately 4,000 vacant units above commercial premises that could potentially be converted into residential use in its functional area. Despite amendments introduced to the LCI in Budget 2016 by the Minister for Finance to make the Initiative more attractive, uptake by property owners remains limited. Dublin City Council therefore intends to re-launch it shortly to a wider target group in the hope of wider participation by property owners.

I also understand that Cork City Council carried out an employment and land use survey in 2011 which recorded vacancy above commercial premises in Cork City Centre but did not assess its suitability for residential purposes.  The Council is currently preparing an Action Plan for the medieval core of the city in 2017 which will include a pilot survey of the potential for utilising vacant upper-floor spaces for residential purposes.

In addition, the Heritage Council has been working with a number of local authorities on a Town Centre Health Check programme which includes the undertaking of assessments of the level of vacancy of residential, commercial and retail premises in town centres with a view to revitalising them and enhancing their economic sustainability. I am fully supportive of this approach to obtain accurate data on property vacancy and the subsequent development of Action Plans by the local authorities involved.    

Regeneration Projects Funding

Questions (258)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

258. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review the decision to reduce the Ballymun social regeneration fund in view of recent increased anti-social behaviour in the area. [31624/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

Social regeneration funding (currently €1.7 million p.a.) for community initiatives in Ballymun will continue to be fully recouped by my Department to Dublin City Council in 2017.

The substantial regeneration programme, which included 24 projects, is now complete. Approximately €972 million was spent on the programme, €775.3 million of which was recouped by my Department. 

My Department’s oversight of the regeneration projects at this location was principally concerned with general progress on the overall programme and it continually liaised with the local authority on the strategic approach and general phasing of works. This ensured that the project progressed on a sustainable basis, particularly having regard to general budgetary constraints.

However, with the physical regeneration programme now complete, it will not be possible to continue to provide Exchequer funding for the social regeneration programme. Taking account of this, but also the need to manage the wind-down of Exchequer support for the social regeneration programme, it is proposed that for 2018 and subsequent years, the Exchequer element will decrease annually by 25%, with the shortfall being made up by Dublin City Council, so that the overall level of support for the programme is not affected.  Accordingly, social and community initiatives in Ballymun will be fully funded by Dublin City Council from 2021.

Departmental Bodies Data

Questions (259)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

259. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of times the working group established to review the 2005 sustainable rural housing guidelines for planning authorities has met; the engagement it has had with the European Commission; and the position regarding the progress of the working group to date in 2017. [31646/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The Working Group that is reviewing the 2005 Planning Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing has been established in light of ongoing engagement between the European Commission and my Department on a matter arising from a European Court of Justice ruling in a Flemish decree case.  The Working Group held its first meeting on 18 May and a further meeting on 13 June.  On conclusion of the Working Group's deliberations, my Department will engage further with the European Commission on proposed changes to be made to the 2005 Guidelines, which are intended to be finalised in the second half of 2017.

When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, which requires planning authorities, and where appropriate An Bord Pleanála, to have regard to any such planning guidelines in the performance of their statutory functions under the Planning Acts.

Tenant Purchase Scheme

Questions (260)

John McGuinness

Question:

260. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if the review of the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme 2016 is complete; his plans to introduce changes to the scheme; if he will review the minimum reckonable income of persons and allow long-standing tenants to purchase their homes whether on social welfare or not but with proof of savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31666/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016.  The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. 

In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.

The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared.  Following consultation with relevant Departments on implementation arrangements, I expect that definitive proposals will be submitted to me very shortly.

Rent Pressure Zones

Questions (261)

Seán Fleming

Question:

261. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on whether the Portlaoise area should be included in the rent pressure zones; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31716/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 sets out the process through which Rent Pressure Zones can be designated.  It provides that the Housing Agency, in consultation with housing authorities, may make a proposal to the Minister that an area should be considered as a Rent Pressure Zone. Following receipt of such a proposal, the Minister requests the Director of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to conduct an assessment of the area to establish whether or not it meets the criteria for designation and to report to the Minister on whether the area should be designated as a Rent Pressure Zone.

For an area to be designated a Rent Pressure Zone, it must satisfy the following criteria set out in section 24A(4) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended by section 36 of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016):

(i) The annual rate of rent inflation in the area must have been 7% or more in four of the last six quarters; and

(ii) The average rent for tenancies registered in the area with the RTB in the last quarter must be above the average national rent (the National Standardised Rent in the RTB’s Rent Index Report) in the last quarter (€987 per month).

On 15 June, the RTB published the Rent Index Report in relation to Quarter 1 2017, which includes a summary of the data used as the criteria for designating Rent Pressure Zones in relation to all Local Electoral Areas in the country. This allows all interested parties to see exactly where their area stands in relation to average rent levels and increases and possible designation.  The data from the Rent Index Report relating to Portlaoise is detailed in the following table:

Local Electoral Area	Quarters > 7%	Average 2017 Q1 (€)
Portlaoise	4	733.78

The data indicates that the Local Electoral Area of Portlaoise does not meet the criteria for designation at this time.

Under the Act, I have no further role or discretion in proposing areas for designation as Rent Pressure Zones or in deciding whether they should be designated. The designation process is independent and based on clear objective criteria and quantifiable evidence.

The Housing Agency will continue to monitor the rental market and may recommend further areas for designation. Where, following the procedures set out in the Act, it is found at a future date that additional areas meet the criteria, they will be designated as Rent Pressure Zones.

My Department has initiated a review of the Rent Predictability Measure. At this stage, the measure has been in place for 6 months and data from the Residential Tenancies Board’s Rent Index Report for Quarter 1 2017 is also available.  Using this latest data, it will be possible to ascertain the effectiveness of the Rent Predictability Measure and whether any changes need to be made.

On 15 June, my Department launched a public consultation on the review of the Rent Predictability Measure and the system of Rent Pressure Zones introduced last December. The consultation allowed members of the public and interested parties to provide their opinions and suggestions on the functioning of the measure.  The submissions received from the consultation process, which concluded last Friday (30 June), will feed into the review of the measure.

Local Authority Housing Data

Questions (262)

Mary Butler

Question:

262. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of second-hand houses and dwellings purchased by all local authorities in each of the years 2011 to 2016, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31727/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

Under my Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme, funding is available to all local authorities, to deliver additional social housing stock through both new construction projects and through the acquisition of new and previously-owned houses and apartments.

Details on the number of properties purchased by all local authorities for letting to those on their social housing waiting lists are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/attachments/1c1-la-acq-by-area_5.xlsx. Information on quarter four of 2016 is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.

Homeless Persons Data

Questions (263, 264)

Mary Butler

Question:

263. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of persons being housed in hotel rooms in each of the years 2013 to 2016, inclusive, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31728/17]

Mary Butler

Question:

264. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of children being housed in hotel rooms and bed and breakfast accommodation in each of the years 2013 to 2016, inclusive, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31729/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.

My Department does not specifically collate data on the utilisation of hotel accommodation on a national basis.  However, my Department does publish data on a monthly basis regarding the number of homeless families, including dependents, accommodated in all forms of emergency accommodation funded and overseen by housing authorities.  Official homeless reports are published on my Department's website  and can be accessed using the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.

These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities and produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).  These reports capture details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation on a regional and county basis, arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities.  

In the Dublin area, which accounts for some 85% of family homelessness, the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) publishes data in relation to homelessness, including in relation to the numbers of families accommodated in commercial hotels. This information can be accessed on the DRHE website at the following link: www.homelessdublin.ie/homeless-families.

Water Charges Refunds

Questions (265)

Mary Butler

Question:

265. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when water charges refunds will be paid to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31730/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services was published on 12 April 2017 and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Committee recommended that in respect of the most cost efficient mechanism of adhering to the principle of equity of treatment for those who have paid and have not paid water charges, such households should be compensated in an equitable manner.

The Government approved the priority drafting of a Bill to give effect to the relevant recommendations set out in the Committee's report on 30 May 2017. My Department is working with the Attorney General's Office on the drafting of the Bill with a view to it being published as soon as possible.

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme

Questions (266)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

266. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 305 of 29 November 2016, if the comprehensive legal advice referred to has been fully analysed; if a decision has been made in the matter of providing ex gratia payments to former employees of LCDP companies made redundant and whereby no moneys were available to fund payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31751/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The issues in relation to the enhanced redundancy scheme referred to have been the subject of very careful consideration in my Department and I will write to the Deputy shortly in relation to the matter.

Military Honours

Questions (267)

Noel Grealish

Question:

267. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Government of the time or a subsequent Government honoured three persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31653/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I have been informed that all three individuals who lost their lives during the Battle of the Tunnel, Congo, in December 1961 were awarded the Military Star, which is awarded to those who died as a result of hostile action. The Military Star was awarded to the three individuals at a State ceremony on 8 November, 1998. The citations in relation to the award of the Military Star recognise the supreme sacrifice made by all three personnel. Two of the three personnel were also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) in 1967. One of the medals was awarded with distinction and the other with merit.

Sexual Offences Data

Questions (268)

John McGuinness

Question:

268. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of allegations of sexual abuse reported by serving members of the Defence Forces in each of the years 1990 to 2016, and to date in 2017; the number of cases that were proven and brought to court; the support services available to members who were abused; the financial compensation paid to persons who were abused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31668/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The issue of inter personal behaviour in all its formats within the Defence Forces is of the utmost importance to me and criminal activity of any nature will not be tolerated within the Defence Forces. Whether an allegation is of a minor or a major nature there are a number of ways in which it can be investigated. These are covered by statutory and regulatory provisions and range from low level informal interventions to prosecution. Defence Forces personnel may make a complaint of an alleged breach of criminal law to an Garda Síochána.

Members of the Defence Forces can avail of Personnel Support Services (PSS) which provides information, assistance and counselling on a range of matters including interpersonal problems. As part of the PSS office, civilian social workers are also available to support Defence Forces personnel. In addition an independent and strictly confidential 24 hour care-line, manned by trained counsellors, is available to all Defence Forces personnel. Face-to-face counselling can then be provided to individuals if required.

The function of the Medical Corps of the Defence Forces is to provide medical services to serving members of the Defence Forces and, where required, any serving member of the Defence Forces can be referred to psychiatry services, normally through a Medical Officer or contract General Practitioner.

The question posed by the Deputy seeks data over a period of almost 27 years. In the context of the question posed, the phrase “sexual abuse” is descriptive in nature and may not reflect the categorisation used to collate statistics. However, I have asked my civil and military officials to assess what information can be collated which could satisfy all the data requested and I will revert to the Deputy on this point.

Defence Forces Properties

Questions (269)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

269. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason or fault for which a building (details supplied) was condemned and ordered out of bounds to all personnel; the date on which the building was condemned; the person that signed the order condemning the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31724/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I have been advised by the military authorities that it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy within the allocated time. However, I have requested that the information be sourced as a matter of urgency and I will reply to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Defence Forces Veterans Associations Funding

Questions (270)

James Browne

Question:

270. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which his Department supports the work of an organisation (details supplied) that protects the welfare of ex-servicemen and women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31804/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department recognises the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State.

The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.) is an organisation dedicated to looking after the welfare of ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces. It provides accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter as well as other assistance and advice as required. O.N.E. has accommodation in Smithfield, Dublin (Brú na bhFiann with 30 places), Athlone (7 places) and Letterkenny (7 places), a drop-in centre in Limerick and an advice centre in Dundalk.

O.N.E. has enjoyed the long standing official recognition of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Officials from my Department hold regular meetings with O.N.E., and the other recognised veterans’ organisations, at which issues of concern to their members are discussed. As part of that process the Department has entered into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with O.N.E. Under the terms of the SLA, and as part of the supports currently offered to veterans, my Department provides financial support by way of an annual subvention to O.N.E. to support and encourage its work. This subvention is currently €44,000 per annum. The funding provided to O.N.E. by the Department of Defence is to support the general overheads of the organisation. It is not for the provision of services that are provided to citizens, including members of O.N.E., from other arms of the State such as housing, health, social assistance, etc. Dublin City Council continues to support, on an ongoing basis, the O.N.E. homeless initiative in Smithfield.

I have committed to meeting the recognised veterans associations, including O.N.E., on an annual basis and I provide support by attendance at specific events whenever I can. Only last Wednesday, 28 June 2017, I had pleasure in attending the launch of O.N.E.’s annual Fuchsia fundraising appeal.

An annual veterans day, organised by the Defence Forces, takes place, usually in September, which provides an opportunity for veterans to meet with their comrades. In addition, local barracks organise monthly events – Veterans Friday – which provide social occasions where veterans can meet up with both serving and retired colleagues. Discussions are ongoing with O.N.E. regarding possible locations for additional Veterans Support Centres throughout the country.

The Defence Organisation and I are committed to continued engagement with O.N.E. into the future.

Defence Forces Veterans

Questions (271)

James Browne

Question:

271. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address the growing levels of homelessness among ex-servicemen and women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31806/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I recognise the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. My Department does not hold details of the incidence of homelessness among former members of the Defence Forces and the issue of housing and homelessness is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. My Department does not have a housing budget and does not provide homes or accommodation for retired personnel.

As I have stated in my response to other Parliamentary Questions, the Department has a Service Level Agreement with the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.). It holds regular meetings with them to discuss issues that affect veterans. O.N.E. is dedicated to looking after the welfare of ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and other assistance that may be required. O.N.E. is a limited company with charitable status. O.N.E. has accommodation in Smithfield, Dublin (Brú na bhFiann with 30 places), Athlone (7 places) and Letterkenny (7 places), a drop-in centre in Limerick and an advice centre in Dundalk.

Any retired soldier, male or female, may contact the Smithfield centre directly and O.N.E. will assist by directing the person to other facilities within the Health Services, the local authority services, or offer a room if vacant, in Dublin, Athlone or Letterkenny.