Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
131. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware of four meetings held between the Defence Forces and public representatives regarding support for homeless and struggling Defence Force veterans; and if she can clarify the action she has taken to support these individuals. [33326/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, as Minister for Defence, I wish to recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. As a reflection of the deep respect the Government has for our Veterans, the Office of Veterans Affairs was formally established on 10th November 2025.
Recently, I met with representatives of the recognised veterans’ Associations. During these engagements, funding arrangements and ongoing issues affecting veterans and their organisations were discussed and I reaffirmed my commitment to their valuable work. The Office of Veteran Affairs will continue to liaise closely with these Associations.
My Department facilitates ongoing financial support for veterans by way of annual subvention provided through the Department of Defence, to the two recognised veterans’ Associations, Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). Both ONE and IUNVA are registered charities, distinct from the Defence Forces. They engage with various bodies, including public representatives, when appropriate, to further the interests of their members.
Under current Service Level Agreements, the annual subvention stands at €173,000 to ONE and €40,000 to IUNVA. In addition, Dormant Accounts funding is made available to assist both organisations for specific project-based initiatives. To date, a total of €1.3 million has been allocated to Veterans’ Associations under this funding stream.
ONE is the primary charity in Ireland dedicated to providing accommodation, support, and services to homeless and disadvantaged veterans of the Irish Defence Forces. Currently, ONE provides single-room accommodation (board and lodgings) for 51 retired Defence Forces personnel across four residential homes. This capacity is expected to increase to 81 beds as further development phases are completed. My Department and the Office of Veteran Affairs will continue to support ONE in these vital developments.
In addition, this Government also assist ONE with funding through the HSE and DRHE, with the result that overall Government funding amounts to approximately €880,000 per annum (excluding Dormant Account funding).
This Government values the contribution of all veterans to the state and will continue to work with the veteran organisations, through the Office of Veteran Affairs, to address their needs.
