Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Brennan and Mr. Campbell. I will open the meeting to members of the committee. They may address questions not only to Mr. Brennan and Mr. Campbell, but to the other witnesses. I see that we are joined online by Deputies Stanton and Brady. I welcome Deputies Cowen and Clarke. Senator Craughwell has had to leave to go to the Seanad but he assures me that he will be back. Obviously, he has some specialist knowledge of this area. I would be happy to support the call for the introduction of a veterans strategy. That is important and would acknowledge not only the work of the organisations which their representatives have outlined, but also the work I know they do at constituency level and have done at national level over recent years. I have seen the importance of this work and I am extremely disappointed to note that the Department of Defence contribution to that work is no more than €11,000. I, of course, acknowledge the funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund but that tends to be a little less certain and definite in its disbursement. Although I know the organisations expend every cent to the greatest benefit, that €11,000 is a paltry sum when one considers the work they do, the members they have and the strategy they wish to implement. I know they will raise that issue in their meeting with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, next week. We support the putting together of a strategy. I assure the witnesses of the help and assistance of this committee in that regard.

I am pleased to give the floor to Deputy Brady, who is joining us remotely from his office due to Covid restrictions. He will be followed by Deputy Clarke and other members.