David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for a very interesting presentation. It struck me when the presentations were being made that the membership of both organisations appears to be quite low given the total number of people who have left the Defence Forces. I understand there are 13,000 plus on the pension payroll if my figures are correct. Why are more people who served in the Defence Forces not involved in both organisations? Can anything be done to assist in growing the membership? Obviously, if there were more members, the good work the organisations do would be made known to more people and there would be more support from former members as well.

It was mentioned earlier, I think by IUNVA, that it is a little like the Men's Shed, where people come together. Is it mainly men who are receiving assistance? I realise there is an imbalance in the Defence Forces between men and women, but perhaps the witnesses would comment on that. Would I be correct in saying that many of the people the organisations deal with are single? Is there something in that with respect to loneliness and not having the support of family?

They were the two questions that struck me.