Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the answer. He is very well aware of the tremendous work done by ONE. There has for some time been a major housing centre in Dublin in which some 550 former soldiers - veterans – have been housed. There are also units in Athlone and Letterkenny, and there is a new drop-in centre in Limerick. It costs Mr. Ollie O'Connor, the chief executive, and his staff approximately €600,000 per annum to run the services for our veterans. Given the tremendous service they have given to the State and the United Nations, in Lebanon and many other theatres, maximum support must be provided. In this regard, the Minister said €40,000 was allocated by the Government.

Does the Minister consider it a key priority of his tenure to move forward with the provision of supports for veterans in terms of housing, education, health and sport and cultural issues? Every Member of this House is aware of the contribution these people have made to our country. Some of us have made representations on behalf of former soldiers with profound housing needs. A group of former Defence Forces personnel recently came together to establish a new veterans association, including a former colleague of ours in this building who was charged with our protection for many years. In the United States, the Veterans Association has done fantastic work over many years in the areas of education, housing and so on. There is a great deal more to be done in this State. Will the Minister return to Cabinet with a stronger case for the provision of support to the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women? My colleague, Deputy Willie Penrose, has raised this issue with the Minister on several occasions. The State must provide support to these people, particularly in the area of housing and education.

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