Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the veterans organisations he has engaged with and met in a formal and informal capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43978/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My Department formally recognises two veterans’ organisations that represent all former personnel, namely, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (O.N.E, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel). 

My officials meet on a quarterly basis with representatives of both organisations and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) to discuss issues of concern to Defence Forces Veterans.  In December I meet the three Veterans Associations formally at separate meetings.   

I meet and engage with our Veterans through my attendance at the O.N.E. Fuchsia fundraising campaign, and at O.N.E., IUNVA and ARCO Remembrance Day ceremonies subject to my availability.

My Department and the Defence Forces work with O.N.E. to bring to fruition their plans to establish additional Veteran Support Centres around the country.  I officially opened the Veterans Support Centre in Athlone last October and I will attend, subject to my availability, at further such events. 

Each year I attend the Veterans' Day in which members of IUNVA, O.N.E., ARCO and many other retired members of the Defence Forces from various other veterans organisations participate.  After the formal proceedings have been completed, I meet many veterans on an informal basis.