💾 Archived View for eir.mooo.com › nuacht › cilld17275143011.gmi captured on 2024-09-29 at 01:08:43. Gemini links have been rewritten to link to archived content
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ciaran Mather, 28 Sep
Irish Defence Forces veterans’ charity, Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann /
the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) has today
called for the development of a comprehensive Veterans’ Policy and the
creation of an Office of Veterans’ Affairs.
The call comes as ONE’s 2024 Annual Report reveals a stark funding gap
of €860,000 for the year ahead.
ONE requires approximately €1.5 million to maintain its housing and
mental health services, but with only €640,000 (42 per cent) expected
from state funding, it is increasingly reliant on public donations,
partnerships, and fundraising to continue supporting homeless veterans
and those in need of mental health services.
Speaking at the charities Annual Convention, CEO of ONE, Cormac Kirwan
said: "The establishment of an Office of Veterans’ Affairs is an
essential step to ensuring that Irish veterans receive the support and
recognition they deserve."
"Our veterans have served this country with honour, and urgently need
the structured and sustainable support required to rebuild their
lives," Mr Kirwan added.
Left to Right: Chairman of ONE Colm Campbell; Minister of State for
Defence Jennifer Carroll McNeill; Defence Forces Chief of Staff
Lieutenant General Seán Clancy; President of ONE Mick Kinahan;
Secretary General of the Department of Defence Jacqui McCrum; and CEO
of ONE Cormac Kirwan at the launch of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann's
Annual Fuchsia Appeal at the National Memorial in Merrion Square.
Photograph supplied by Conor McGorry of ClearStory International.
A spokesperson for ONE has said that the funding challenge 'comes at a
critical time', as the cost of homelessness continues to rise.
They elaborated: "According to research by Ryan & McConnell (2015) and
estimates from Focus Ireland (2023), the cost of supporting a homeless
person in Ireland is approximately €32,000 to €34,000 per year.
"This is in contrast to ONE’s model which offers a more cost-effective
solution, with the annual cost of housing and supporting a homeless
veteran estimated at €10,500 outside Dublin and €14,300 within the
capital, net of contributions by residents.
"The announcement coincides with the launch of the charities 2024
Fuchsia Appeal and the unveiling of its 2024 Annual Report, which
highlights the lack of specific state funding for its homes outside
Dublin, and the growing demand for its mental health services which has
placed an even greater strain on the charity’s resources."
The spokesperson continued: "In response to these challenges, ONE is
renewing its call for a formal Office of Veterans’ Affairs and a
National Veterans’ Policy, which would provide structured support for
Ireland’s veterans.
"The Commission on the Defence Forces’ 2022 report endorsed the
establishment of an Office of Veterans’ Affairs and ONE is urging the
government to prioritise the implementation of this body to ensure that
veterans receive the dedicated support they deserve."
They also said that earlier this week, the organisation announced plans
for five additional Veterans homes by 2026, as well as two new Veteran
Support Officers (VSO’s) and the establishment of a permanent 24 / 7
Veterans support helpline.
[Former-Kildare-Mayor-Spike-Nolan-passes-away-tribute-RIP-politics-news
-1727447047756_1727449361.jpg--rip__former_mayor_of_kildare_and_fine_ga
el_cllr_remembered_by_senator.jpg?1727449361319]
RIP: Former Mayor of Kildare and Fine Gael Cllr remembered by Senator
The late Micheál ‘Spike’ Nolan passed away suddenly
[Untitled_design_%282%29-1727434069184.png--music_and_memories_with_mon
a_conroy_of_naas_musical_society.png?1727434069366]
Music and memories with Mona Conroy of Naas Musical Society
'Music from the Musicals', is broadcast every Tuesday evening between
8pm and 9 pm
ANNUAL APPEAL
The annual Fuchsia Appeal was first launched in 2009 and serves as a
key fundraiser for ONE’s essential services.
The fuchsia was chosen as the fundraising emblem due to its presence
across all of Ireland.
The flower, commonly known as 'Deora Dé' or 'God’s Tears', serves as a
reminder of home for all service personnel.
The Fuchsia Badge is now sold as part of the Appeal to fund ONE's
supports services.
Donations to the 2024 Fuchsia Appeal can be made here.