Written answers

Thursday, 12 October 2006

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Veterans

5:00 pm

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Defence the financial assistance he will give to the United Nations Veterans' Association in their efforts to have the old schoolhouse which is part of Arbour House refurbished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32172/06]

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Defence if consideration has been given to grant aiding the Irish United Nations Veterans Association to assist in their work in support of the 7,000 Irish soldiers who have served on UN missions in over 40 countries since 1958, and the widows and dependents of deceased members and in providing a headquarters for the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32258/06]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 48 together.

I can advise the Deputies that in recognition of the valuable work of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and to mark almost 50 years of Defence Forces involvement in international peacekeeping with the United Nations, I was yesterday pleased to mark this important contribution by supporting the work of IUNVA in the form of a once off grant of €50,000 from my Department. I hope that this will go some way towards assisting IUNVA in its most valuable and worthwhile activities.

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) was formed in 1990. The Association is non-denominational, non-political and non-sectarian. Membership is available to any Irish resident who has successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation, whether he or she is serving or retired.

IUNVA's primary role is providing advice and counselling to members and their families who have been affected by their overseas service. The Association, which is financed by membership fees, voluntary contributions and fundraising, also organises social, cultural and sporting events for its members.

As fellow veterans of U.N. operations world-wide, IUNVA supports soldiers, Gardaí and civilian personnel who serve in often dangerous and difficult circumstances. These personnel have contributed to almost 50 years of peacekeeping with courage and professionalism. IUNVA continues to support such personnel where the need arises with an understanding and insight born of their own personal experiences of overseas service.

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