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

I am conscious of the time but I am also very conscious that we had a really good meeting. I thank the representatives from both organisations for attending today and for sharing with us, in a very open and frank way, many of the challenges that they face. Early intervention is vital in terms of health and welfare and in ensuring that the ongoing challenges are met. A large number of issues were raised today but before concluding, I would like to put to committee members two issues that were raised which are hugely important. The first is the early delivery of a veteran's strategy and the second is the creation of an office of veteran affairs. We may differ on the detail of what that office might be, where it might be located or how it might be resourced but it is important that this committee takes a stance on the issue on behalf of the witnesses. I ask members to endorse the writing of a letter to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Defence urging the delivery of a veterans strategy in accordance with statements made previously and the creation of an office of veteran affairs. Is that agreed? I note the agreement of Deputies Berry, Brady and Cowen and Senator Craughwell. We will write that letter as soon as possible after this meeting.

Once again, I thank the witnesses for the work that they and their volunteers do on a daily basis. It is hugely important work in terms of the service offered to the State by all of the veterans with whom they deal. I thank them for their engagement, wish them well in their endeavours and offer them the active support of this committee.