Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019
76. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider creating an Army bereavement fund for ex-soldiers whose family members pass away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42598/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn addition to a range of State supports for families that suffer bereavement, the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund is also available for former members of the Defence Forces and their families. This fund was established to provide support to veterans of the Defence Forces who experience periods of difficulty, including family bereavement.
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).
As there are a range of supports currently available, there are no plans to create a separate Bereavement fund for former members of the Defence Forces. Every effort is made to ensure that those who have suffered a bereavement are made aware of the full range of supports available.
