Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests. Please accept my apologies for being tardy as there was a vote in the Dáil. I do not think they will find much objection to the witnesses' asks, particularly at this committee. In fairness, there is a very broad level of support for the work they do, for our veterans today but also our veterans to come.

I would like to touch on some specific questions. Mr. Brennan spoke about medical needs. Is he seeing something in veterans today that is specific to their service? As we age and go through life we can develop various different medical conditions and medical needs but is there a link between what the veterans are experiencing now and their service in the past? If that is the case, what supports are in place for those individuals, whether for physical or mental health?

Mr. Brennan also mentioned a benevolent fund. I ask him to give us some more detail on what is behind that and what are the asks with regard to this fund.

I have to be honest; I am beyond concerned to hear that food parcels are being handed out to our veterans. I find that absolutely despicable. It is a horrendous thing to hear any organisation say of those who have given their service in the past.

There was also mention of an advice clinic. I ask the witnesses to give us a bit more detail about what veterans are looking for advice on. Is it applications to State agencies for support and assistance, or perhaps passport services? What exactly are the questions that tend to come forward?

I echo what previous contributors have said about the veterans' strategy being way beyond overdue. It must be put in place as a matter of priority because the reality is that, for a very modest investment, the return that comes back is multiple. I thank the witnesses for their time.