Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Tánaiste. Could I take ten seconds of my one minute to thank his Department and our ambassadors for the work they did on getting Gena Heraty and other hostages released from Haiti? It is much appreciated.

I acknowledge the tremendous work done by the organisations the Tánaiste mentioned, including ONE, the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association. It is great to hear there is cross-government work to get the veteran affairs office established but we need clear timelines because our veterans have worked in really challenging circumstances.

They come home and transition into work life with patchy mental health supports. We know there is an increased risk of homelessness. I also think of Private Billy Kedian, whose family waited over two decades for him to be posthumously awarded the distinguished service medal with honour. We need a robust support for our veterans.

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