David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the representatives from both organisations and thank them for the work they are doing. I was recently at the opening of the ONE centre in Cobh.

It was extraordinarily impressive and there was a large turnout. It was great to see it occurring there. I know Mr. Campbell was there as well. I was at the opening of IUNVA's post 25 in Fermoy a number of years ago. Again, that is doing great work.

I served as an amateur in the Reserve Defence Force for years so I have some knowledge of what goes on, although obviously not overseas. I want to ask about what Deputy Brady raised, that is, the transition and preparation for leaving the Defence Forces. We know there is a lot of support when one is a member of the Defence Forces and the comradeship that was mentioned earlier is hugely important. When one leaves, unless one has family support or whatever else outside, that can have an impact. I ask the witnesses to comment on the preparation for retirement or leaving the Defence Forces. What is in place there? Is it adequate? Could it be improved upon in any way?

I am also struck by both organisations' references to mental health, particularly IUNVA and the impact serving abroad has on some members. Mr. Brennan might expand on that and give us some examples of what is happening and how we can assist and help. What kind of impact does that have and why does it happen to people? Can we do more to assist people in that regard?

I also want to comment on the remembrance commemorations that occur across the country. I recognise the role that both organisations play through their members turning up. The branch in Cobh in my constituency is particularly active. It is hugely important that that happens because it happens in public. We have parades in public, as well as the flag-raising, the trooping of the colours, the speeches and so forth. That is hugely important and that is something we must continue and the organisations need to be supported.

I join with the Chair in saying I would be very supportive of the Government providing more funding to both organisations. I am also intrigued by the commission for veterans' affairs that has been mentioned. I am quite disappointed that project 59 has been closed. Perhaps we should write to the Minister to see why that happened, what the thinking behind it was and if it can be reactivated. I again thank both organisations for the work they are doing and for being here today.