Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

This past Sunday, like many of my Oireachtas colleagues, I had the honour to attend the National Day of Commemoration at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. It was a really moving and dignified ceremony remembering all those who died in past wars and on service with the UN and honouring all who have served in our Defence Forces. While I stood there, I found myself thinking not just of those we lost, but also of those still with us, many of whom are struggling. After the parades and ceremonies, too many of our veterans face serious challenges like homelessness, PTSD, poor mental health, unemployment and family breakdown. Often, they face these struggles in silence. Yesterday, I visited Brú na bhFiann in Smithfield in Dublin city centre, the veterans' hostel run by Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, ONE. It is a place of real care and respect, helping former Defence Forces members who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. However, they are doing this essential work with limited resources, and that needs to be addressed in the budget. Too often veterans fall through the cracks. The services they need like housing, healthcare and pensions are scattered and difficult to access. That is why I am supporting the call for the establishment of a central veterans support bureau, located in the GPO, a place rich in national symbolism. This bureau could be a one-stop shop offering support with housing, mental health, pensions, job training and access to Defence Forces organisations like ONE and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association. There is also a clear and growing need for a regional veterans support centre in my home town of Drogheda, County Louth. The north east and east Meath have a strong Defence Forces tradition and there is an active ONE branch in Drogheda and Slane. However, veterans there have to travel to Dublin or Dundalk for help, a hurdle that leaves many of them without the services they need. A local centre in Drogheda would make services accessible and show that our commitment extends well beyond the capital. It was a proud and patriotic day on Sunday, but if we are serious about respecting services we need to prove it in our actions, not just with medals and parades but with housing, healthcare, support and human dignity. I feel a debate would be timely, perhaps ahead of the budget, to discuss these matters.