By Colm Campbell, Chairperson Board of Directors ONE - One Veterans Ireland
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Issue 57 WINTER 2019
ONEConnect
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ÓGLAIGH NÁISIÚNTA NA hÉIREANN
Nobody Volunteers
to Become a
Homeless Veteran By Colm Campbell, Chairperson Board of Directors ONE
Support: Pictured in 2018 at the opening of a new Veteran Support Centre (VSC) in the Curragh Camp is GOC DFTC Brig Gen Joe
Mulligan (now retired), ONE’s National President Tom James, Chairman Brig Gen Colm Campbell Ret’d, CEO Ollie O’Connor along with
members of St Conleth’s Branch ONE and other veterans associations.
The role of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann
/ Organisation of National Ex-Service
Personnel (ONE) can be summarised in four
words: support, comradeship, advocacy,
remembrance. Examining these words will
help in understanding how ONE derives
its aims of funding hostels for homeless
veterans; putting in place preventative
measures to avert homelessness; and
providing other support services for
Defence Forces’ veterans.
Support: Support takes many forms, ranging
from a warm greeting to a former comrade to
a bed for a homeless veteran, and everything
in between. With 35 branches and three area
councils, ONE is well positioned to provide
this support. We currently have hostels for
homeless veterans in Athlone, Dublin and
Letterkenny, and we are in the process of
developing a small hostel and veteran support
centre (VSC) in Cobh. We are also developing
15 VSCs nationwide with the support of the
Department of Defence and the Defence
Forces. Comradeship: Pictured at the 2016 Veterans’ Day parade in McKee Bks are L/R: ONE member
Patrick Flavin, St Conleth’s Branch (Newbridge), IUNVA member Tony Grant, Post 24 (Clonmel)
Continued on page 4 and Vice President of ARCO Col George Kerton (retd).
2
Ar ou nd th e Br an ch es
Ed ito ria l
Ollie O’Connor
2019 was a year of planned progression for ONE. The
year began with the multi award winning ‘Sleeping Flags’
awareness campaign. This campaign was very successful
in highlighting the work carried out by ONE both to the
general public and to current and former members of the
Defence Forces . The campaign has won a number of
international awards in the public relations field. More
importantly, seventeen homeless veterans came forward
and made themselves known to our hostel management
team.
The year has witnessed significant growth in the number of
Veterans’ Support Centres (VSCs). By the end of 2019 we will
have eleven VSCs in operation, staffed by volunteer members, 50th Reunion of UNFICYP No 2 Pl, A
and located in: Athlone; Athy; Casement Aerodrome; Cavan; Coy, 12 Inf Gp
Curragh Camp; Dundalk; Finner Camp (Dec 2019); Galway; Pictured (above) are the 33 members of No 2 Pl, A Coy, 12 Inf Gp,
Kilkenny; Limerick; McKee Bks; and a temporary facility UNFICYP, in Cyprus in 1969. On the 4th October 2019 10 members of the
in Collins Barracks Cork. Work is underway to establish platoon met to celebrate the 50th Anniversary reunion of the platoon
further Veteran Support Centres in: Collins Barracks and in Ceannt NCOs Mess, Curragh Camp. A number of platoon members
Cobh (Cork); Cathal Brugha Barracks (Dublin); and Wexford. have sadly passed away, or were non-contactable or unable to attend,
Of the fifteen Veteran Support Centres, eleven are / will but were remembered on the day. BQMS Michael Stynes DFTC was
be located within a Defence Forces’ installation, with four representing his father Michael ‘Hiker’ Stynes who had recently passed
located outside – Athy, Cavan, Cobh and Limerick. away. Pictured (below): Front row L/R: John Sheils, Paddy Donnelly (Pl
In partnership with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive Sgt), Mick Kavanagh (Pl Offr), Tony McGrath and Joe Flanagan. Back
(DRHE), the number of bedrooms for homeless veterans will row L/R: Mick McMahon, Willie Lawlor (Cpl), Tony Philips, Mick Carroll
be increased from 30 to 35 in Brú na bhFiann and we are (St. Conleths Branch and Past President ONE), Paddy Flood and BQMS
also providing rooms for a counselling service. The number Michael Stynes.
of rooms provided is subject to the terms of a Service Level
Agreement between ONE and DRHE and is not an arbitrary
figure. The proposal to increase the number of rooms was
made by ONE in December 2018 and it is expected to be
in place from January 2020. An Ante Room (Day Room) in
Brú na bhFiann for residents is also being developed. The
facilities in Beechwood House and Custume House continue
to be developed with great assistance from the Defence
Forces, local authorities and community volunteers.
The establishment of a hostel in Cobh with 5 en-suite
bedrooms, in tandem with the Veterans’ Support Centre,
has moved considerably forward in the past month. ONE is
now in possession of a draft lease from the OPW which will
be signed in due course. An architect has been engaged and
draft plans have been drawn up. Refurbishment is expected
to commence in March 2020 with a six month build.
In partnership with the HSE, ONE will put in place a full-
time counselling service in Brú na bhFiann for veterans
commencing in January 2020. The recruitment process is
well underway, with the new appointment called a Veterans’ Fr. James Gilmore Branch
Support Officer. Sixty-three (63) veterans were trained as This photo (below) is from Fr. James Gilmore Fuchsia Collection at JC’s
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in 2019 and are operating Supermarket in Swords Co Dublin. This is the last collection in JC’s as it
throughout the country. These courses were open to was a family Supermarket and it has been taken over by Dunne’s Stores.
veterans from any organisation. The next course is for Branch The branch hope to continue its association with the venue.
Welfare Officers from those who have already completed the
MHFA Course. The Funding for these training courses was
received from the Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust (LPHT).
The LPHT has agreed to continue to fund education and
training in this area in 2020 and to provide a grant towards
the development of the Cobh Hostel.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed
with the Royal Hospital Donnybrook to create a pathway for
veterans who need long term care or respite. A meeting with
Leopardstown Park Hospital was held on 26 Nov 2019 and
an MOU will follow.
The new year will bring further goals to be achieved. In
addition to the education and training programmes and
development of veterans facilities, 2020 will be a year
when ONE will seek to grow its membership and develop
a sustainable network of branches throughout the country.
ONE will also examine the provision of further hostel facilities
in the Munster area in partnership with local authorities
On behalf of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann I wish to thank
all our branches, members, volunteers, and staff and wish
you and our residents a very Happy Christmas and a New
Year that brings to you all you wish.
3
Thomas Ashe Branch
The Thomas Ashe Branch Annual Mass took place on
the 3rd November and it was supported by branches
from the Southern Area Council (SAC) including the
SAC President Diarmuid Higgins.
O’Neill Branch Cavan
O’Neill Branch Cavan accompanied by ONE CEO
Ollie O’Connor recently paid a visit ot Omagh
Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) at their St
Lucia Barracks HQ. The Veterans toured the
RAFAC HQ, meeting Cadets and taking part in
Flight Simulator training. The guests explained the
role of their organisation and talked about their
military service. Gifts were then presented, with
RAFAC receiving an O N E shield and the Veterans
receiving an RAF Officers beret and a print of a
Victor Bomber aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Graham
Dodds, Officer Commanding Omagh RAFAC
arranged the special visit and commented “It was
an honour to welcome the members Óglaigh
Náisiúnta na hÉireann to St Lucia Barracks. They
are a vital organisation in supporting Veterans
across the Republic of Ireland and our guests are
a fine example of service and dedication to our
Cadets”
Cobh BRANCH
The Cobh Branch recently took part in the planting of a cedar of Lebanon tree at the Bible garden at the Benedictine convent, Cobh in
memory of the 47 members of the Defence Forces who gave their lives in the cause of Peace whilst serving with the United Nations in the
Lebanon.
Drogheda and Slane Branch
The Drogheda and Slane Branch held its Annual
Remembrance Mass in St. Patricks Church, Slane on
Sunday, 3rd September. The attendance included Mairead
McGuinness, MEP Vice President of the European Parliament,
Cllr Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach Meath County Council, Cllr
Paul Bell, Mayor of Drogheda, Colm Campbell Chairperson
ONE, Ollie O’Connor CEO ONE, Mark Keane President
PDFORRA and Donogh Maguire Vice President ONE.
Mayo Branch
Mayo Branch remembered those members who have gone to their eternal
rest. The Mass was held in the church of Our Lady of The Holy Rosary,
Castlebar. Branch members made a Ceremonial Mass Bell, which was blessed
and used at this Mass for the first time. The bell was rung in remembrance
of ONE deceased members, deceased Mayo members of IUNVA, deceased
Mayo members of the Defence Forces who gave their lives in the cause of
peace while serving with the UN, all Mayo persons who lost their lives in past
wars, and once also for the deceased Mayo people with whom the Mass was
shared, as their Anniversary occured at that time.
4
Continued from page 1 year in our hostels and approximately 900
homeless veterans have availed of our services
Nobody Volunteers
to date, with the majority of these moving
on to permanent housing. These people are
to Become a fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and
Homeless Veteran daughters, who volunteered to serve their
country. Nobody volunteers to become a
homeless veteran.
VSCs, which can be described as a cross Comradeship: We use the term ‘comradeship’
between advice centres and men’s/women’s deliberately because it evokes a sense of
sheds, and are now located in Athlone; shared experience, a shared culture, a shared There can be a tendency to blame the victim
Athy; Casement Aerodrome; Cavan; Curragh set of values, and a willingness to serve. when things go wrong or to say that caring
Camp; Dundalk; Finner Camp (Dec 2019);
Being part of a veterans association (I include for veterans is the responsibility of other
Galway; Kilkenny; Limerick; McKee Bks; and
all associations) helps preserve a sense of agencies. However, when a former soldier,
a temporary facility in Collins Barracks Cork.
Work is underway to establish further Veteran identity and a sense of belonging. It should sailor, or airman or women is involved, we
Support Centres in: Collins Barracks and also evoke a sense of shared responsibility believe that it is our responsibility to help.
Cobh (Cork); Cathal Brugha Barracks (Dublin); for those less fortunate than us. The Defence This spirit of comradeship is exemplified in
and Wexford. Of the fifteen Veteran Support family, like any true community, is not just an the outstanding support received from the
Centres, eleven are / will be located within a organisation; rather it is an organism made up Defence Forces, other veterans associations,
Defence Forces’ installation, with four located of smaller parts working together. Homeless and individual serving and retired members
outside – Athy, Cavan, Cobh and Limerick. veterans are part of that family and they of the DF. The Swanbatt Gala Ball and
We provide over 16,000 bed nights every cannot be left behind. the Gala Concert organised by 6 Inf Bn in
Athlone are recent examples of that support.
Units of the Defence Forces and students
on courses routinely fundraise on behalf of
their less fortunate comrades and ONE also
acknowledges the voluntary contributions
made by serving personnel and veterans,
and the donations received from other
associations and groups.
Advocacy: ONE unashamedly advocates in
support of veterans, particularly on behalf
of those who are less fortunate. The majority
of veterans, irrespective of length of service,
are very successful in new careers or happy
in retirement. However, there are quite a
number who need help from time to time.
There is a dual challenge in providing this
help: ignorance of the issue and ignoring the
issue. Both of these have to be addressed.
Advocacy: Sleeping Flags Campaign: Pictured on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM on the 11th The Sleeping Flags Awareness Campaign,
February 2019 is Richard Dillon House Manager of Brú na bhFiann accompanied by Tony launched in February of this year, was aimed
Stafford a former resident in Brú na bhFiann advocating on ONE’s behalf to raise public at those who were ignorant of the plight of
awareness in aid of homeless Defence Forces veterans it supports, also pictured is the some our veterans and we are also working
specially created Tricolour sleeping bags that where situated on the streets of Dublin with very hard on ensuring that those who now
veterans in them. know about it don’t just ignore it. Advocacy
Remembrance: Pictured at this year’s Veterans Day parade in Collins Barracks is the new ONE National President Jim Fay, laying a wreath
in memory of those Defence Forces members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service to the State, along with representatives from
veterans associations IUNVA and ARCO.
5
2019 Christmas Message to
members of O.N.E.
Paul Kehoe, T.D.
Minister with Responsibility for Defence
It gives me great pleasure to send Christmas establish additional Veteran Support Centres available to the two organisations in 2020. I
greetings to all members of O.N.E. and your around the country. was delighted to meet with your CEO Ollie
loved ones, both on my own behalf and on O’Connor last month to formally announce
I look forward to working with O.N.E. in your
behalf of all my colleagues in Government. the funding.
efforts to establish more centres in the future.
As 2019 draws to a close, it is an ideal I am always impressed by the commitment This year I was delighted to meet members
opportunity for me to recognise and thank and professionalism of your staff in carrying of O.N.E. at the Veterans’ Day, other
all the members of O.N.E. for your loyal out their responsibilities. remembrance events and the launch of the
service to both the State and to the cause of Annual Fuchsia Fundraising campaign. The
As Minister, I am at all times mindful of the
international peacekeeping. Your dedication funds raised through the Fuchsia Appeal
responsibility of our Government to support
and service has contributed in no small make a very real difference to the lives of
our veterans for their past public service
measure to the excellent reputation enjoyed many former members of the Defence Forces
and their outstanding contribution to the
by the Defence Forces, both at home and who have had cause to avail of O.N.E.’s
State. In keeping with this commitment,
overseas. services.
the Government acknowledges, through
O.N.E. plays a vital role in representing and the provision of an annual subvention, the At this time of year, we remember those
looking after the welfare of retired personnel valuable contribution that O.N.E. makes who are sadly no longer with us and I want
of the Defence Forces of all ranks. You deserve in representing veterans. Last year, I was to take this opportunity to remember those
great credit for providing accommodation delighted to announce a more than doubling members of O.N.E. who have passed away
for 44 people in Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield, of the annual grant paid to O.N.E. from in 2019 and previous years. Our thoughts
Dublin; Beechwood House, Letterkenny; and €44,000 to €100,000 per annum. and best wishes are with their families and
Custume House, Athlone as well as other friends.
I was also delighted recently to secure
services to the homeless, elderly or disabled
funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund to Finally, I want to thank all of the O.N.E.
members in need of such services.
further assist O.N.E. in your work. Following officials and staff for their hard work and
The advice and support you provide through an application from my Department, a total wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas,
your Veteran Support Centres is invaluable. of €300,000 will be set aside during the years and a prosperous New Year.
Over the course of 2019, my Department and 2020 to 2022 to assist O.N.E. and IUNVA
Guím sonas agus sábháilteacht do chomhaltaí
the Defence Forces have continued to work with specific projects. The first tranche
na hÓglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann agus dá
with O.N.E. to bring to fruition your plans to of that funding (€100,000) will be made
muintir an Nollaig seo agus san Athbhlian.
on veterans’ issues must remain constant. is increasingly benefitting from support from for their support in upgrading the lighting
Remembrance: Remembrance is the fourth businesses and other charity partners, and systems in Brú na bhFiann.
pillar of ONE and it is therefore appropriate we gratefully acknowledge the great support It is important to know what you are supporting,
that the annual Fuchsia Appeal is launched received from: Cygnus Consulting, who have so what follows is a flavour of our future plans.
at the Defence Forces National Memorial become the first company to sponsor a room
In Brú na bhFiann, in partnership with the Dublin
in Merrion Square. Remembrance serves to in one of our facilities; ROTHCO/Accenture,
Regional Homeless Executive and the HSE, we
bring to mind, and keep in mind, those who one of our close neighbours in Smithfield, who
are increasing the number of bedrooms for
have made the ultimate sacrifice and who we spearheaded the Sleeping Flags Awareness
homeless veterans from 30 to 35, providing
must always honour. We must also remember Campaign, which as well as winning a host of
an ante room (day room) for residents, and
those veterans who for some reason or media awards, more importantly, helped ONE
developing a veterans counselling service.
another become homeless or others that need identify and support a number of homeless
We are co-operating with hospitals to create
our support. veterans that would otherwise not have come
a pathway for those who need long-term care.
to our attention; Harte Communications for
The current level of service provision costs
media advice; Dublin Bus, for continuing our We are also continuing to develop our facilities
ONE in the region of €800,000 annually and
Sleeping Flags Awareness Campaign in July; in Beechwood House and Custume House;
our future annual funding requirement is
the Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust, who opening a small hostel in Cobh in tandem
estimated at €1,000,000. Our Dublin hostel,
sponsor the training of our staff and volunteers; with the VSC; and examining the provision of
Brú na bhFiann, receives support from the
and the ESB’s Energy for Generations Fund, further hostel facilities in the Munster area.
Dublin Region Homeless Executive, and the
In conclusion, our members, staff and
Department of Defence contributes annually
volunteers give excellent service to ONE
towards the administrative overheads of
through their commitment to helping
the charity. The balance of our income,
veterans in their time of need. Other veterans
approximately €650,000 for future planned
associations and individuals also provide
services, comes through various fundraising
outstanding support to their less fortunate
activities. These include members’
comrades. Throughout this article we do not
subscriptions, donations, revenue from
quantify the terms ‘service’ or ‘veteran’ as it
meals and accommodation, and our national
is our view that the duration, type of service,
collection through the Fuchsia Appeal.
and rank achieved are not important; rather it
Corporate bodies can fulfil their social
is that veterans served their country at home
responsibility by sponsoring rooms in our
and overseas. Some of those veterans now
homes, sponsoring their local VSC or ONE
need others to help them.
branch, or by donating their expertise. ONE
6
Opening of Veteran Support
ONE is developing 15 Veteran Support
Centres (VSC) nationwide with the support
of the Department of Defence and the
Defence Forces. These can be described as
a cross between Advice Centres and Men’s
or Women‘s Sheds.
Cavan
The Veterans Support Centre in Cavan
Town was opened by Brendan Smith TD and
Chairman of Dáil Committee of Foreign Affairs
and Trade, and Defence on 3rd November
and is operated by O’Neill Branch ONE
Cavan. A lot of hard work was done by the
members of the branch to ensure this project
came to fruition. Mr. Smith spoke of the work
carried out on behalf of veterans and invited
ONE to address a session of the Dáil Defence
Committee. Colm Campbell congratulated
the branch on bringing the project to fruition.
The opening was supported by members of
the local post of IUNVA and representatives
of military associations from Northern Ireland
Prior to the official opening of the VSC,
O’Neill Branch Cavan hosted ceremonies to
pay respect to all Irish men and women who
lost their lives in all wars and in service abroad
with the UN (Army, Garda, Aid workers etc)
and our comrades who have died.
Athy
The Athy VSC was opened by Councillor Mark
Wall, Cathaoirleach Kildare County Council
and National President of ONE Jim Fay on
the 28th November. Cllr Wall congratulated
Kevin Carton and everybody involved in
this new venture for Athy. He said that the
work that the St Michaels branch do in Athy,
helping at so many events, is tremendous
and that the veterans’ centre is a fitting place
for all former Defence Forces personnel and
indeed all serving personnel to be proud
of. Jim Fay, National President ONE also
commended the branch on their great work
in setting up a VSC in Athy. The branch was
well supported by their fellow Kildare Branch
St. Conleths, IUNVA and the Glengarry Club.
Mick Kinahan, President Leinster Area Council
ONE was also in attendance.
On the night of the opening the Army No.
1 Band gave an excellent performance in
The Organisation of National Ex-Service
Personnel (ONE) / Óglaigh Náisiúnta na
hÉireann is a support organisation for
ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence
Services. It is a company limited by guarantee
and a recognised charity (CHY 13868)
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF ONE IS:
The welfare of ex-service personnel, by way
of providing accommodation to homeless,
elderly or disabled members in need of such
domestic accommodation and shelter and any
other assistance required.
In support of the main object there are three
residential homes for ex-service personnel in
Dublin, Letterkenny and Athlone.
ONE is organised into over 35 branches
countrywide.
CONTACT DETAILS: The head office is
based at Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield Market,
North King Street, Dublin 7. Telephone: 01-
4850666.
Website: www.oneconnect.ie
Email: info@oneconnect.ie
7
t Centres in Cavan and Athy
St. Michael’s Church, Athy. It was
beautiful to see the local children of
the ‘Sing and Sign’ group enjoying
classic Irish songs through the use
of sign language. There was a great
turnout of ONE members particularly
from St. Michael’s and St. Conleths
Branches.
Veteran Support Centres are now
located in: Athlone; Athy; Casement
Aerodrome; Cavan; Curragh Camp;
Dundalk; Finner Camp; Galway;
Kilkenny; Limerick; McKee Barracks;
and a temporary facility in Collins
Barracks Cork. The official opening
of the VSC in McKee Barracks will
take place early in the New Year.
Work has commenced to establish
further Veteran Support Centres in:
Collins Barracks and Cobh (Cork);
Cathal Brugha Barracks (Dublin); and
Wexford. These projects are due for
completion in 2020.
ONE Membership Please let
You can become an ONE member by contacting your local us have
your EMAIL
branch Secretary; by completing the online query form at
www.oneconnect.ie or by calling Paul at 01 4850666.
There are two types of membership; to become a full
member you will need to have served for at least a year
ADDRESS
and received an honourable discharge from any of the Communication with ALL OUR MEMBERS by post
is an extremely costly affair and we are anxious to
following services: Defence Forces, Red Cross, Civil cut down on these costs and put the money saved,
back into our Charitable Works! So going forward, we
Defence and An Garda Siochana. The annual cost of Full Membership is €25. Outside of would ask you to give us an email address which you
have regular access to.
the above criteria, we still need more active Volunteer Members of Branches, and we are
Next year, we hope to send out the majority of our
now asking ALL OUR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS to recruit just one FRIEND OF ONE. This is new style newsletters by email with a new software
application which will make them easier to read than
to build our membership database to around 3000. even the printed version!
You are probably aware that many public utilities
are opting to send their bills out electronically - in
an effort to cut out the use of paper and hopefully
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE CONTACT: protect some of the rain forests at the same time.
At ONE we are keen to replicate this effort.
Ollie O’Connor CEO/Editor,
All you need to do is send one email to info@
ONE CONNECT Magazine, oneconnect.ie and PUT YOUR NAME IN THE
SUBJECT BOX! We’ll do the rest.
Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann Don’t worry if you do not have access to an email
address. We will still post out all our relevant
Bru Na bhFiann, Smithfield Village, North King Street, Dublin 7 documentation to those who do not have access to
Phone: 01 4850666 • Fax: 01 4850601 • Email: info@oneconnect.ie email. Thank You!
8
CHIEF OF STAFF’S
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE DEFENCE FAMILY 2019
On my own behalf and on behalf of the Gen- the Defence Forces for Government has po-
eral Staff, I would like to take this opportunity tential implications for State security.
to extend season’s greetings to you the men
and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, in par- In the New Year, we will begin again with
ticular to those of you who will be spending renewed determination. With our current
Christmas away from their families due to ser- shortages in mind, I have directed the
vice at home or overseas. General Staff and Formation Commanders
2019 has been a difficult year for the Defence to take measures to ensure that we are
Forces. We have faced significant challenges more streamlined and more cohesive for
with regards to retention, pay and conditions. the collective benefit of all our personnel.
While the Public Service Pay Commission did This means that we must match our outputs
deliver the restoration of some allowances, to our resources on a sustainable footing.
weekend premium rates and an increase in I want to acknowledge the commitment
MSA, it was not what was hoped for. I am very and volunteerism of those who serve in the
conscious of the impact that this has on you Reserve Defence Forces, Army and Navy, and
and your families and I assure you that the the contribution they continue to make in
General Staff will continue to advocate on your supporting the PDF.
behalf and contribute in every way possible Our veterans remain an integral part of the
towards delivering the Government’s High DF family. They are the link to our military
always remember who we are and what we heritage and the source of pride to the
Level Implementation Plan(HLIP) arising from stand for.
the report of the PSPC. This process is being current generation of Soldiers, Sailors and
When the call comes from Government or Aircrew. Those of us serving in the Defence
led by the Department of An Taoiseach and from our other security service partners, we
the outcome is to make the DF an employer Forces today will become the veterans of
must always be ready to respond immediately, tomorrow and it is vital that we retain this
of choice. Positive progress is expected as we have done since the foundation of this
on issues such as technician pay grades, bond between serving and retired members
State. Our institutional arrangements must un- into the future. The outstanding work of the
long service arrangements for enlisted and derwrite that guarantee of service and ensure
officer ranks, increasing establishments for veterans associations is a testament to this.
that we will always do our duty without fear At this time of year, we acknowledge the
some specialist posts and overcoming wider of favour, and are able to stand by the solemn
retention challenges. The HLIP favourably incredible support of our families. We also
oath that we took when we put on the uniform remember those who have died in service this
positions the DF for the upcoming public of Óglaigh na hÉireann. The re-establishment
service pay negotiations. year and their families, for whom their loss will
of a functioning C&A scheme under an inde- be keenly felt this Christmas.
Despite the challenges, I must acknowledge pendent Chair is eagerly awaited. In that con-
and am proud to state that we have great I wish you and your families a Happy and
text I want to be very clear - any weakening of Peaceful Christmas and I look forward to
people in our Defence Forces. You delivered the institutional arrangements that guarantee
on your tasks and persisted in your dedicated meeting you in the New Year. Nollag shona
the unconditional availability of the services of agus athbhliain faoi mhaise díbh go léir.
service and loyalty. In testing times we must
IPA Cycling Club – Pedal of Honour
On the 14th September 2019 the in Dublin, Westmeath and Donegal and of
International Police Association Cycling the local Veteran Support Centre for the
Club (IPA CC) organised the ‘LH286 Garda Dundalk area operating from Aiken Military
Tony Golden Memorial Cycle’. Over 300 Barracks.
cyclists took part in the event. ONE was nominated by Nicola Golden (the
This year the cycle was called “PEDAL OF wife of Garda Tony Golden). The event is
HONOUR” and held in support of the ONE run by the Tony Golden cycle committee
Fuchsia Appeal. The event raised €12,000 for chairman Aiden Hanlon and the IPA cycle
the ONE Fuchsia Appeal. The main sponsor club committee chairman Declan Whelan.
was Blackstone Motors, Dundalk. A sincere thanks from the Michael McNeela
At the ONE Annual Dinner in the Crowne Plaza Branch, Dún Dealgan to Nicola, both
Hotel, Dundalk, Declan Whelan Chairman IPA committees, Blackstone Motors and all who
CC ONE outlined the awareness of IPA CC took part; for all their hard work and effort.
of the support ONE provides for ex service Garda Tony Golden gave his life in the line
personnel who have fallen on hard times. He of duty and in the service of the State in
spoke of the hostels for homeless veterans Omeath, Co Louth in October 2015.
9
ONE Annual Convention
& AGM 2019
The Organisation of National Ex-Service
By Ollie O’Connor, CEO ONE
Photos by Armn Sam Gibney
plan to increase the number of rooms
Personnel (ONE) held its 2019 Annual available to homeless veterans in Brú na
Convention and its Annual General Meeting bhFiann from 30 to 35, the employment of
(AGM) in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk on a Veterans’ Support Officer from January
Saturday 28th September. Branch delegates 2020, increasing the number of VSCs and
attended where outgoing National President the proposal to develop a 5-bedroom
Tom James opened the convention by hostel and VSC in Cobh. He also thanked
thanking all of the branches for the support the professional staff and residents in the
he received during his two years in office hostels for giving of their time above and
and a special word of thanks to Presidents beyond the call of duty, during the Sleeping
and Chairpersons of the three Area Council Flags Campaign, which was the vision of
for their loyal support and courtesy. Jim Fay the talented team of the Rothco advertising
was inaugurated as National President for company. He also thanked the branches and
the next two years. their members for continuing to support the
ONE’s CEO Ollie O’Connor presented his Fuchsia Appeal.
annual report to the convention, where The Convention focussed on four briefings
Brig Gen Colm Campbell (ret’d) ONE’s
he spoke of the work being carried out with the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
in the three hostels and eight Veterans Colm Campbell, presenting the first on ONE’s Chairman giving a briefing on ONE’s
Support Centres (VSC). He outlined the Strategic Plan, ‘Building for the Future’. Strategic Plan, ‘Building for the Future’.
The plan has seven goals: Consolidating
and Future Proofing; Enhanced support
and awareness; Government Veterans
Policy (in union with the other veterans
organisations), Finances of the organisation;
Strengthen and invigorate ONE, Develop a
sustainable nationwide network of Veterans
Support Centres and a nationwide network
of Veterans Hostels.
Former PSS Director, and ONE Director
Ollie Barbour presented the second
briefing, which concerned Veterans Welfare,
and addressed training of Welfare Officers
in Mental Health First Aid and other welfare
areas.
The third briefing was presented by the
Chairman Colm Campbell and concentrated
on the adoption of a new Handbook of
Rules, which had been sent to every branch
prior to the Convention and was accepted
by a very large vote.
Recently retired Defence Forces Press
Officer, Comdt Pat O’Connor, presented
the fourth briefing as the guest speaker,
ONE’s National President Jim Fay (right) presenting the award for ‘Best Branch’ to
‘Communicating on behalf of ONE’.
Galway Branch Chairman Pat Nugent.
ONE to receive
€150,000
from Dormant
Accounts Funds
On the 29th November Paul Kehoe TD, Minister with
Responsibility for Defence announced that €300,000
from Dormant Accounts Funds are to be given to ONE
and IUNVA projects over next three years. ONE will
use funding for projects such as the 5 bed Hostel and
Veterans Support Centre in Cobh.
10
Pathways for veterans seeking
long-term residential care
Over the past number of months ONE has met with both the The veteran (applicant) will have the final decision on whether to
Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD) and the Leopardstown accept RHD’s offer of a place. The decision must be made within
Park Hospital (LPH) seeking to explore ways of establishing the requested timeframe.
a relationship with both institutions. The purpose of this Leopardstown Park Hospital (LPH)
engagement was to develop a pathway for veterans seeking ONE had already formed a functional relationship with the
long-term residential or respite care as outlined in Goal 7 of Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust (LPHT) which part funds the
ONE’s strategic plan – Building for the Future. Both hospitals operation of the hospital. The LPHT has funded or agreed to
are Section 38 agencies which are funded under the Health fund various training programmes including Mental Health First
Act, 2004 to provide a defined level of service on behalf of Aid and Welfare Officer Courses conducted by ONE. LPHT has
the HSE. also agreed to part fund the development of the Cobh Hostel/
Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD) Veterans Support Centre.
Following a number of meetings with RHD; ONE has entered Following a number of informal contacts with LPH a meeting
into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the hospital between board members, CEO, Director of Nursing , staff of LPH
in which both parties seek to cooperate to provide a defined and Defence Forces veterans organisations (ONE, IUNVA and
care pathway for ex-service personnel seeking long-term ARCO) took place on 26th November 2019. Ollie O’Connor and
residential care. ONE was represented at these meetings by Colm Campbell represented ONE at the meeting. The agenda
Colm Campbell (Board Chairperson), Ollie O’Connor (CEO) and was wide ranging with many issues regarding the welfare of
Sinead Black (Deputy Manager Brú na bhFiann) veterans discussed. LPH agreed the outline of an arrangement
The RHD provides care for people requiring rehabilitation, long- that would enable veterans of the Defence Forces who are over
term residential care, respite, and day hospital services. sixty-five to avail of their facilities under defined circumstances.
To be considered for a place at RHD, veterans are required to An MOU between ONE and LPH will now be developed on
meet the following criteria: similar terms to that between ONE and RHD.
• Have completed the Fair Deal application process (care
assessment and financial assessment).
• Have indicated a preference on their Fair Deal application to
come to The Royal Hospital Donnybrook.
• Have received formal notification from the Fair Deal Office
that their funding is approved.
Once the criteria are met (or are in the process of being met),
the ONE Client (or designated representative) shall contact RHD
to highlight the preference applicant.
In response to the above and should an appropriate vacancy
arise;
• RHD will flag to HSE’s Local Placement Forum that there is
applicant seeking to come to RHD
• RHD will undertake an assessment of the ONE Client
(applicant) for placement suitability
Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD) Leopardstown Park Hospital (LPH)
RECOMMENDED READING
The Emergency preparations made by Ireland’s Defence the Irish United Veterans Association and
Forces during the Second World War, the Organisation of National Ex Service
A Visual History 1939 -1945.
what became known officially only as ‘The Personnel, to help former soldiers who have
In September 1939 the Second World War Emergency’.
fallen on difficult times, especially at this
broke out. The fact that Ireland remained
The royalties from this book will be donated time of year. Please, if you can, purchase
neutral in the conflict is well known. What
to the veterans’ association The Organisation
is far less well-known is that from 1939 a copy and let others know, it’s for a good
of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).
onwards Ireland prepared to defend itself cause.
from invasion. Combining many previously Rules of Engagement
The book is dedicated to the memory of an
unseen photographs and documents and ‘Rules of Engagement’ would make an
Irish Defence Forces veteran, priced at €12
with a text based on research in Defence excellent Christmas gift especially if there
Forces and official archives, this book is an is someone you know with a military and is available from Books Upstairs and
illustrated photographic and documentary connection. All author royalties are being https://www.doirepress.com/writers/m_z/
history of the military and defensive donated to the Irish Military Veteran Charities michael_whelan/11 KNOWYOURRIGHTS tAx stAtements RePlACinG P45s AnD P60s Public holidays and time off Question If you normally work on a Monday, you are entitled to either: What is replacing P45 and P60 statements? s A paid day off on the public holiday Answer s A paid day off within a month of the public holiday Since 1 January 2019, P45s and P60s have been abolished and s An additional day’s pay replaced with an online system as part of PAYE modernisation. You s An additional day’s annual leave will no longer get a P45 if you leave your job. Instead, your If you do not normally work on a Monday, then you are entitled employer must now send this information electronically to Revenue. to one-fifth of your normal weekly wage for that day. The P60 certificate will be replaced by an end of year statement. Part-time employees qualify for public holiday entitlement if Your 2018 P60 is the last P60 that you will get from your employer. they have worked at least 40 hours during the 5 weeks ending Your end of year statement for 2019 will be available after 31 on the day before a public holiday. December 2019 through Revenue’s myAccount service. An end of year statement includes details of all your pay and the income tax, USC and PRSI deducted by your employer during the year. It also records your Local Property Tax (LPT) deductions (if you choose to have the LPT deducted from your pay). Visit of Combat Stress to Brú na bhFiann Dr. Felix Davies of Combat Stress Northern of the Great War. Today Combat Stress carried out by ONE and its future plans, Ireland paid a visit to the ONE Brú na provides specialist treatment and support including the proposed employment of a bhFiann Hostel on the 15 November. for veterans from every service and conflict Veterans Support Officer at Brú na bhFiann. Combat Stress has been helping former to give them hope and a future. Items of The possibility of co-operation between servicemen and women to deal with issues mutual interest regarding the treatment of ONE and Combat Stress was explored, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), vulnerable veterans were discussed. Dr. with further developments to be worked on anxiety and depression since the end Davies was given a briefing on the work in the future.
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