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

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to apologise for being late. I acknowledge the great work the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel Ireland has done over the years. I appreciate what the organisation is doing. It is great that a body exists that will protect those who fall through the cracks. I hope that the supports for the organisation will improve, particularly in 2016, when there should be a greater focus not only by politicians but as my colleague, Senator Conway, said by the local authorities. I think the general public are ignorant of what this organisation is trying to achieve. However, the organisation must be commended for the great work it is doing. By appearing before the joint committee, the organisation is creating a focus on what it is trying to achieve. That must be recognised at all levels from the Minister right down to Deputies and Senators. I thank the witnesses and wish them a peaceful Christmas.