Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 49: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide annual subventions to support and encourage the work of the officially recognised veterans groups ONET and IUNVA. [20174/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 of June 2007 commits to the provision of annual subventions to support ONET and IUNVA in their valuable work. I have decided that this can best be achieved through the payment of an annual grant-in-aid to both of these voluntary organisations. I recently announced that arrangements have now been put in place for ONET and IUNVA to receive an annual grant-in-aid from my Department. This year, ONET and IUNVA will receive €40,000 and €10,000 respectively. It is planned to increase these amounts in subsequent years in line with changes in the Consumer Price Index.