Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Keogh for raising this issue. This is an area I want us to do so much better on. There is already good work done in relation to veterans. I am very pleased that my Department provides funding to a number of veteran associations. I have met and visited them. How we support, acknowledge and recognise the role of men and women who served in Óglaigh na hÉireann, at home and abroad, is really important. I fully agree with Deputy Keogh on this.

There is a firm commitment in the programme for Government to establish a dedicated office for veteran affairs, and I have instructed my Department to expedite the establishment of this office. I see an office of veteran affairs as playing a really important role in becoming, effectively, a one-stop shop where our veterans can seek support, co-ordination and information regarding a range of supports. I see a cross-government element to how this works. I refer to an office of veteran affairs that can advocate within the system, across Departments and agencies, on various issues relating to veterans, including health, social protection and housing.

I am very conscious that we can learn from other countries on this. I am pleased to say that, in the first instance, we are going to set up a dedicated office for veteran affairs. I want to get that up and running very quickly. It will have to evolve and grow, but it is important that it be established. I will very much work with Deputy Keogh and other Deputies on this.

I 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 29 September. I recently visited the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, ONE, in Brú na bhFiann in Smithfield and I was very impressed with its facilities and the work it does 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 veteran associations. These associations, which represent all former personnel, are the Irish United Nations Veterans Association and ONE.

My officials and I regularly meet these recognised veterans associations, as well as the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers and the Retired Enlisted Members Association, to discuss matters of concern to their members. My Department now has 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. I am pleased these grants increased substantially in 2022, and they have also been increased again this year. As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has been securing dormant accounts funding to assist both organisations with specific projects.

The 2025 programme for Government commits to establishing a dedicated office of veterans affairs. It will be based in my Department. I intend to see this office established as a matter of priority.

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