Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

How could I refuse a request like that? I will speak to the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence about meeting the United Nations veterans. I do not think any of us does not know our local post and my one in Portlaoise is very active. The veterans turn out on occasion after occasion and are so proud of the service they have given abroad over the years. Many of them have done several tours, as we know.

On 3 April 2024, the UN provided a briefing to delegates of the permanent mission in New York on the UN reimbursement framework for member states. On foot of this, further information has been requested from the UN on the processes and criteria that currently apply to such schemes. The UN only makes payments based on available resources and these resources are dependent on the payments of contributions by member states. It is important we establish whether a claim has been lodged or what has been paid out.

On the issue relating to the State Claims Agency, which manages most claims against State agencies, it is important to take up the issue with the agency. The UN veterans or the Senator might make direct contact with it to find out how many cases are in the system. I would expect there are some in the system, and it is important to find out whether any of them has been cleared and the current status of any claims that have been lodged versus the Department of Defence, which is dealt with directly by the State Claims Agency.