Minister Kehoe at the opening of the ONE centre in Custume Barracks, Athlone today (Wednesday).

Grant to ONE is doubled

Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, TD, has announced doubling of grant to the Defence Forces Veterans association, ONE.

He said the government acknowledges, through the provision of an annual subvention, the valuable contribution that the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) makes in representing veterans. 

Minister Kehoe at the opening of the ONE centre in Custume Barracks, Athlone today (Wednesday).
 

“In recognition of this work, I am pleased to announce today that I am increasing my department’s annual grant to ONE from €44,000 to €100,000. 

“This significant increase in the grant – more than double the previous grant – will make a substantial contribution to the work of ONE.

“The funding is to support the general overheads of ONE.

“It is appropriate that I announce this increase in funding here in Athlone today while officially opening the new Veteran Support Centre. 

“My department and I are strongly supportive of ONE’s plans to establish further Veteran Support Centres around the country. 

“Fitting out new centres with equipment, training volunteers and the increased administration and insurance liability will also increase ONE’s overheads. 

“The increase in the grant will cover some of these costs and allow ONE to press ahead and bring to fruition their plans for a network of Veteran Support Centres nationwide.”

Minister Kehoe alongside General Officer Commanding 2 Brigade, Brigadier General Howard Berney; members of the Defence Forces and members of ONE at Custume Barracks in Athlone today (Wednesday).