New office to assist Defence Forces veterans

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, has announced that the Government had approved the establishment of an Office of Veterans Affairs.

The 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 assist with the needs of veterans.

Announcing the establishment of the Office, the Tánaiste said: “The creation of this dedicated new office is in recognition of our Veterans’ extraordinary contribution to the State, both at home and on Peacekeeping missions overseas.

“Through continued engagement with the established Veteran Associations and other Government Departments, this Office will work to ensure that ex-service personnel receive the support and benefits to which they are entitled.”

“As Minister for Defence, I want to pay tribute to our Veterans, who have worn the uniform of Óglaigh na hÉireannwith pride and distinction throughout their careers.

Welcoming the announcement, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said: “I warmly welcome the establishment of the Office of Veterans Affairs. This is a significant and positive development that recognises the enduring contribution of our veterans to the State and to Óglaigh na hÉireann.

“I look forward to working closely with the Office of Veterans Affairs to ensure that those who have served continue to be honoured, supported and connected to the Defence Forces family.”

The Programme for Government 2025 includes a commitment to: “Establish a properly resourced Office of Veterans’ Affairs, based within the Department of Defence and working across Government to assist with the needs of our veterans.”

The office will partner with veteran associations, help with research on veterans, and advocate on behalf of veterans.

As part of the process of establishing the Office of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defence met with representatives of each of the four established Veterans’ Associations (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) and the Retired Enlisted Members Association (REMA)).