Minister for Defence statement on Support for Veterans

The minister states:

At the outset, I wish to recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. In this regard, the Defence Forces will be hosting Veterans Day in McKee Barracks on 29th September and I hope to be able to attend in person. I also recently visited ONE in Brú na bhFiann in Smithfield and I was very impressed with their facilities and the work that they do there.

In addition to the payment of over €300 million on pensions to over 13,000 ex-service personnel and their dependants, my Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations. These Veterans Associations, which represent all former personnel, are the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).

My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations as well as the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) and the Retired Enlisted Members Association (REMA), to discuss matters of concern to their members. My Department has entered into Service Level Agreements with IUNVA and ONE, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. IUNVA is paid €40,000 and ONE is paid €173,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022 and have been increased again in 2025.

As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has also secured total funding of €1,100,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist both organisations with specific special projects.

In addition to the supports highlighted to the recognised Veterans Associations, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service also provides limited support to retired members of the Defence Forces on a case-by-case basis, as well as assisting IUNVA and ONE in their work providing advice and support to veterans.

The 2025 Programme for Government commits to establish a dedicated Office of Veterans Affairs, based in the Department of Defence. This commitment is currently being progressed, with consultations with the Veterans Associations ongoing. The Government intents to establish this office as soon as possible.