Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Defence if the discussions between his Department and ONET and IUNVA in regard to an annual grant being made to both of these voluntary organisations has been concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/08]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women, or Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teoranta (ONET) has enjoyed the long-standing official recognition of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. ONET is dedicated to looking after the welfare of all ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces. A main objective of ONET is to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and women by way of providing accommodation to homeless members in need of such domestic accommodation and providing other assistance that may be required by way of advising referrals to the relevant agencies.

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) was formed in 1990. Membership is available to those, both serving and retired, who have successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation. Both associations are financed primarily through membership fees, voluntary contributions and fundraising.

The Agreed Programme for Government June 2007 commits to the provision of annual subventions to support ONET and IUNVA in their valuable work. The Minister has decided that this can best be achieved through the payment of an annual grant-in-aid to both of these voluntary organisations. The Minister expects to be in a position shortly to announce the agreed arrangements.