Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is aware of a campaign group (details supplied) and its calls for the GPO to be given as a veteran centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27202/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that the organisation referenced by the Deputy has been in direct contact with my office outlining their position regarding the potential establishment of a National Veterans Support Bureau in the GPO. As the Deputy may be aware, the GPO, including the work of the interdepartmental committee which will explore its future uses, falls under the remit of the Office of Public Works. On that basis, my office has arranged for ONE's proposal to be sent to my Government colleague, Minister Kevin Moran, for his attention.

My Department formally recognises two Veterans Associations, Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). Service Level Agreements are in place with both organisations under which annual grants of €173,000 and €40,000 respectively are paid to support their general overheads, and my Department has also secured a total of €1.1 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund to support a number of nominated special projects since 2021. In addition to this financial assistance, officials from my Department and I hold regular meetings with both Associations, alongside the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), where issues of concern to their members may be raised.

The Deputy may be aware that the 2025 Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a dedicated Office of Veterans Affairs, based within the Department of Defence and working across Government. This commitment is currently being progressed and it is intended to establish this office as soon as possible.