Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 October 2019
46. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding a fund for former members of the Army that were bereaved following the death of a near relative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41286/19]
View answerThe Defence Forces Benevolent Fund was established to provide support to veterans of the Defence Forces and their families who experience periods of difficulty.
Support is organised and distributed through committees of serving military personnel who are active in each of the formations of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, the Naval Service, 1 Brigade, 2 Brigade and the Defence Forces Training Centre.
The fund operates in a confidential and supportive manner to provide much needed support to military veterans, regardless of rank or length of service, and who are resident in the state and overseas.
While the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund operates as a fund within the Defence Forces, it works in close cooperation with the Veterans’ Associations, including the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.), the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO).
