Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017
72. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the services and supports available to former members of the Defence Forces that find themselves homeless or in financial difficulty; if these supports are overly dependent on fundraising (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52728/17]
View answerAt the outset, let me state that housing and homelessness remains the Government’s number one priority. The issue of housing and homelessness is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. My colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government, confirmed last week (6 December 2017) that the Government has approved an extra €100 million for social housing for 2017
My Department does not have a housing budget and does not provide homes or accommodation for retired personnel.
My Department does recognise the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. As such, officials from my Department hold regular meetings with recognised veterans’ organisations including the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.), at which issues of concern to their members are discussed. O.N.E. has enjoyed the long standing official recognition of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. As part of that process the Department has a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with O.N.E.
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 and has accommodation in Smithfield, Dublin (Brú na bhFiann with 30 places), Athlone (7 places), Letterkenny (7 places) a drop-in centre in Limerick, and an advice centre in Dundalk.
I am aware that O.N.E. is proposing to increase the number of advice centres in other locations such as Cathal Brugha Barracks, McKee Barracks, Casement Aerodrome, Custume Barracks, Finner Camp, Dún UÍ Mhaoliosa Barracks and Stephens Barracks. My Department is currently working with O.N.E. in this regard. 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.
As a charitable organisation, I am aware that O.N.E. is heavily dependent on fundraising to finance its operation. In this regard, 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 also 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. This year on 28 June 2017, I had pleasure in attending the launch of O.N.E.’s annual Fuchsia fundraising appeal. I am advised that Defence Forces units and installations throughout the country undertake fundraising in support of the work of O.N.E. on behalf of veterans. The military authorities encourage such fundraising as an illustration of the solidarity and bonds that exists between veterans and serving personnel.
The Defence Organisation and I are committed to continued engagement with O.N.E. into the future.
