Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 September 2012
21. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence if supports exist for former members of the Defence Forces, who may be suffering from various conditions related to the performance of their duties, particularly those who may have served in war zones overseas over the decades and who may now be suffering psychologically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39489/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence does not provide ongoing support services directly to former members of the Defence Forces. However, the Department does provide an annual subvention to support and encourage the two officially recognised veteran groups, O.N.E. and IUNVA. O.N.E. is dedicated to looking after the welfare of all ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces. A main objective of O.N.E. is to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and women by way of providing accommodation to homeless members in need of such domestic accommodation and providing other assistance that may be required by way of advising referrals to the relevant agencies.
In addition, the Army Pensions Acts provide for the consideration of a claim in respect of a disablement due to
(a) a wound or injury attributable to service in the Permanent Defence Force, provided that the application is made within one (1) year from the date of discharge from the Permanent Defence Force; or
(b) disease attributable to, aggravated by, accelerated or excited by overseas service with a United Nations Force provided that the application is made within eight (8) years from the date of discharge from the Permanent Defence Force.
In order to be considered under either category a claim should be submitted to the Department before the expiry of the relevant deadline.
