An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 14 | A Tale of Two Presidents The outgoing president, Gus Hennessy, from New Ross, Co Wexford, enlisted in McDonagh Bks, the Curragh, in February 1956. He served in HQ Coy, GTD, and as a train- ing corporal with 10 Inf Bn in Wexford, before finishing his career in Stephens Bks, Kilkenny. He served overseas with 38 Inf Bn ONUC; 42 Inf Bn and 24 Inf Gp UNFICyP, and 49 Inf Bn UNIFIL. He retired after 27 years service on March 17th 1983, the same day his son Ray joined up. After he retired, Gus joined ONE, (James Stephens branch) and served in the following appointments: branch chair- man; member of the old national executive; chairman of the Leinster Council; president of the Niemba 50th Anniver- sary Committee; and national president for the last two years. In handing over he said: "I would like to wish Mick the best of luck, and good health. I would also like to thank my branch for all their support." The incoming president, Mick Carroll, from Suncroft, Co Kildare, enlisted in 3 Inf Bn (The Bloods), in the Curragh, in November 1962. He served overseas with 2 Inf Gp ONUC; 42 Inf Bn, 12 Inf Gp and 18 Inf Gp UNFICyP; and 59 Inf Bn and 63 Inf Bn UNUFIL. He retired in 1994 after 33 years service and joined St Conleth's branch of ONE in 1999. He served as branch chair- man for eight years, and also served as president and chair- man of the Leinster Council. He was also treasurer of ONE's only band, the St Conleth's pipe band (which he helped to set up in 1999). On assuming his role as national president for the next two years, Mick said: "I would like to thank Gus for his 'heads up' on the position, and to wish him the best for the future: I have a hard act to follow. I would like to thank my branch for the nomination, and the CEO, chairman, and all the branches for their support, and I hope to be able to honour all invitations to branches and events throughout my period in office." WhITE PaPER ON dEFENCE The Veterans Policy, outlined in the White Paper on defence, launched on 26th August 2015, recognises the contribution of former servicemen and women who have 'served Ireland and the Defence Forces in defending, protecting and supporting the citizens and sovereignty of the State since its foundation' and who 'have also contributed to Ireland's profile in the area of international peace and security because of the commitment of Defence Forces personnel by successive Irish governments to UN-mandated and authorised operations". The government only for- mally recognises two veterans' organisations, IUNVA and ONE, and the White Paper states that this will continue to be the case. Existing service-level agreements (SLAs) between the Dept of Defence and IUNVA and ONE includes holding regular meetings to discuss issues that affect veterans; providing support at fundraising launches and com- memoration ceremonies; providing financial support through annual subventions; and inviting representa- tives of both organisations to specific commemoration ceremonies. While committing to the current SLAs, the White Paper also outlines plans 'to further develop the sup- ports available to exiting personnel and veterans'. This will include developing the annual Veterans' Day, which seeks to honour the service of both living and deceased Defence Forces veterans; incorporating representa- tion from the associations into state and DF ceremo- nial events, where appropriate; improving current arrangements in the case of personnel retiring from the Defence Forces to include appropriate training, CV development and interview skills, to facilitate transition to civilian employment and to ensure that personnel will not exit the Defence Forces without an appropriate recognised civilian qualification consistent with their capability; and continued development of the current pre-retirement courses. '…Every effort will be made to facilitate the transition to civilian life, drawing on existing support networks where appropriate. It is recognised that in limited circumstances additional supports may be required and the representa- tive bodies for retired members of the Defence Forces have an important role in this regard.' The White Paper also commits the Department to ensuring that veterans continue to have access to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, in relation to complaints concerning actions that occurred while they were serving. The full White Paper can be downloaded from www.defence.ie. New ONE National President Mick Carroll with predecessor Gus Hennessy.

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