Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
142. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consideration that has been given to making an annual financial contribution towards military veterans' organisations such as an organisation (details supplied) that provides help and support to former soldiers. [24706/18]
View answerI 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 Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), at which issues of concern to their members are discussed. IUNVA 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 IUNVA.
Under the terms of the Service Level Agreement, and as part of the supports currently offered to veterans, my Department provides financial support by way of an annual subvention to IUNVA, to support and encourage its work. This subvention is currently €11,000 per annum. This funding provided to IUNVA by the Department of Defence is to support the general overheads of the organisation.
