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

We are joined by two veterans in their own right, Senator Craughwell and Deputy Berry. Before I call on them, I wish to refer to a point Deputy Clarke made when she mentioned in Mr. Brennan's presentation the reference to food parcels. I fully agree with Deputy Clarke. Is Mr. Brennan seriously saying that some members of the blue berets, who have served abroad with distinction on behalf of the Army and the Irish people, are in receipt of food parcels and, in effect, are destitute on the streets of Ireland? If that is the case, it is a most unacceptable spectre that will have to be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Mr. Brennan might make brief reference to it in terms of numbers or instance. It is a shocking spectre of the manner in which our veterans are being treated.

I refer to Mr. Campbell's contribution, in which he made reference to the consequences of the pandemic, which I would have thought have added considerably to the challenges of both organisations. Mr. Campbell might be in a position to give us some examples of how ONE and its members are dealing with the challenges of Covid-19 added to an already challenging situation with reference to ONE's role and function.

I thank Mr. Brennan and Mr. Campbell. Mr. Thompson might comment on the matter of the food parcels.