Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality
Welfare of Ex-Service Personnel: Discussion
9:30 am
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I apologise that I must leave in about ten minutes but I wanted to be here to listen to the presentations. I wish to acknowledge the fact that this is an important and historical occasion because it is the first time that both organisations have presented to the Oireachtas. I want to extend the immense gratitude of the Irish people to the members of the Defence Forces who have served at home and abroad. We are particularly proud of our contribution to peacekeeping across the world and the reputation of the Irish Defence Forces is immense. We are very grateful to the Defence Forces.
Today, the committee is tasked with finding out what supports that the organisations need and how these Houses can assist that process. My first two questions are for IUNVA and I have some questions for ONE. IUNVA ensures that members get a proper funeral and burial, which is a hugely important support to provide. What services does IUNVA provide? Where does IUNVA's funding come from? I assume it would be good if IUNVA could secure appropriate funding from State sources that would complement the fundraising efforts of the organisation. I ask IUNVA to tease out those matters and then it will be the turn of ONE.