Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2024
13. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his proposals to support veterans' associations; the progress made implementing related recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22055/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
Additionally, in line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government to "support the establishment of centres for members of the Defence Forces", my Department continues to facilitate, where possible, the establishment of further ONE Veterans Support Centres and IUNVA Posts around the country.
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.
