Defence Forces

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Questions (26, 27)

Mark Wall

Question:

26. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence the specific supports available to veterans of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52072/26]

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27. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence her views on the findings of a study regarding veterans (details supplied), and the actions her Department is taking to address the findings. [52073/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.

At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel.

The publication of this important research, 'Veterans of the Defence Forces', commissioned by Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), is very welcome. It provides an analysis of the position of Defence Forces veterans in Ireland and the supports and services available to them.

The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) intends to engage further with the findings, including undertaking examination of the research to ensure that its recommendations are fully understood and that the issues identified are appropriately considered.

This research will be a valuable resource for the OVA as it continues to engage with recognised Veterans Associations and works to ensure that veterans can access the benefits, services, and supports to which they are entitled.

In addition to €317 million allocated to meet the pension costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents, my Department also provides support to two Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel, namely the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).

I have met with the Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members and my officials continue to engage and meet regularly with the Associations. My department has also 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 per year 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 secured funding of €1,300,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects including providing accommodation for homeless veterans through ONE’s Veterans’ Homes in Dublin, Athlone, Cobh, and Letterkenny, and the National Veteran Training Centre at IUNVA Headquarters. With the support of government funding, both ONE and IUNVA provide assistance for veterans and their families, with ONE, in particular, offering counselling and other services as well as providing accommodation to homeless veterans. They also provide information on pensions, social welfare benefits and other entitlements.

In addition to the supports highlighted to the Veterans Associations, the Defence Forces Personal 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. Furthermore, as with other members of society, former members of the Permanent Defence Force who experience difficulties have access to the range of supports available to all citizens under the Health Acts.

Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 26.