Mr. George Kerwin:

Initially, we get €10,000 a year from the Government. Thereafter, it costs between €70, 000 and €80,000 to run the organisation every year and the balance of that money is raised by fund-raising events. We do not have a national fund-raising day but each of the 21 posts raise their own funds. Each month they submit their accounts to our financial man for monitoring. Each post looks after their own business and raise their own funds to meet their needs.

As soon as a member dies, we appoint a liaison officer to assist the family, if the deceased has a family. In such instances, we discuss with the family whether they want an honour guard, a flag and a piper which we can provide. If the deceased does not have a grave or a plot then we can provide same. We deal with family, we ask them what they would like us to do and then we provide anything that we can including, if the funeral is anywhere in the immediate area of a post, providing a reception for the people afterwards. We look after all of their needs, to the best of our ability.