Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
31. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will increase financial support to the charities supporting veterans and former members of the Defence Forces; if the State, through the forces themselves, will develop its own outreach, care and liaison services for former members who have served the State proudly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/24]
View answerMy Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations. These Veterans Associations, which represent all former personnel, are Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members.
My Department has entered into Service Level Agreements with ONE and IUNVA, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. ONE is paid €130,000 and IUNVA is paid €30,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022.
As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has also secured total funding of €900,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.
The Defence Forces Personal Support Service provide limited support to retired members of the Defence Forces on a case-by-case basis, as well as assisting ONE and IUNVA in their work providing advice and support to veterans.
The establishment of an Office of Veterans Affairs, under new Defence Forces structures, was one of the recommendations included in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published on 9 February 2022. A detailed implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations was subsequently published on 21 November 2023.
