Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:175. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures in place to support the physical and mental health outcomes of veterans of the Defence Forces. [62446/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 13 November 2025
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. In this regard, my Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel, namely 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 to discuss matters of concern to their members. 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 €1,100,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.
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. They also provide information on pensions, social welfare benefits and other entitlements.
In addition to the supports highlighted to the recognised 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.
You may also wish to note that the Office of Veteran Affairs has recently been formally established. This Office, which was a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces and a commitment in the current Programme for Government, will play a key role in coordinating matters relating to Defence Forces’ veterans. It will be based within the Department of Defence and will work across Government to ensure that Veterans receive the support and benefits to which they are entitled.