James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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271. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address the growing levels of homelessness among ex-servicemen and women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31806/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I recognise the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. My Department does not hold details of the incidence of homelessness among former members of the Defence Forces and the issue of housing and homelessness is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. My Department does not have a housing budget and does not provide homes or accommodation for retired personnel.

As I have stated in my response to other Parliamentary Questions, the Department has a Service Level Agreement with the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.). It holds regular meetings with them to discuss issues that affect veterans. O.N.E. is dedicated to looking after the welfare of ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and other assistance that may be required. O.N.E. is a limited company with charitable status. O.N.E. has accommodation in Smithfield, Dublin (Brú na bhFiann with 30 places), Athlone (7 places) and Letterkenny (7 places), a drop-in centre in Limerick and an advice centre in Dundalk.

Any retired soldier, male or female, may contact the Smithfield centre directly and O.N.E. will assist by directing the person to other facilities within the Health Services, the local authority services, or offer a room if vacant, in Dublin, Athlone or Letterkenny.