Fine Gael Longford-Westmeath Senator and Party Spokesperson on Defence in the Seanad, Gabrielle McFadden, is seeking Government support for the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women (ONE ) and their housing programme.
Senator McFadden raised the matter in the Seanad, highlighting the need for Government funding to ensure sufficient monies are in place to help run ONE houses.
“There are a number of ONE houses and drop-in centres throughout Ireland, including a brilliant service in Athlone,” she said.”ONE accommodation centres cater for ex-service men and women who have served their country well, but have now fallen on hard times.
“The funding needed to run these premises is currently provided by charitable donations and ONE’s own fundraising efforts; they receive no Government funding. I recently visited the ONE home in Athlone and met with some of the residents there. They are very happy in the house, which provides them with a warm, secure and homely environment.
“I have written to Minister Simon Coveney enquiring about the possibility of allocating funding from his Department’s Housing budget in order to ensure sufficient funding will continue to be in place for the running of ONE properties throughout Ireland.”
