More than 900 veterans of the Defence Forces have passed through homeless hostels in Dublin, Westmeath and Donegal since 2005.
Many of those men and women served overseas in conflict zones, as well as at home during the Troubles.
Some are suffering from depression, disabilities or PTSD after serving their country.
At the launch of @OneFuchsia appeal @DF_COS described how ”Our values bind our veterans with we who serve today. They are part of our military ethos & culture, serving us well in the delivery of loyal, committed and dedicated service to the State and the international community” pic.twitter.com/MIO8kSgiaP
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) June 27, 2019
This afternoon, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel launched an appeal to raise funds for its hostels.
Many of them are struggling to find housing because of low pay and pensions.
Richard Dillon, Sergeant Major (Retired) of ONE says "These are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and our next door neighbours who joined the Defence Forces to
serve their country. When they joined up, they were young fit men and women. Nobody volunteers to become a homeless veteran."
Thanks to @pdforra for attending the Oireachtas Defence Committee today. Government must listen to their analysis and the serious issues on pay, conditions and retention which are being prolonged by the delay in the pay commission report pic.twitter.com/j67jbJHlf6
— Jack Chambers TD (@jackfchambers) June 27, 2019
Meanwhile, the group which represents Defence Forces members has heard reports that some members stand to receive just 96 cent more a day under new pay proposals.
The organisation is angry that a Defence Force pay review due to be published yesterday has been delayed.
It says it will go to the courts if pay and conditions within the Defence Forces are not significantly improved.
