On Tuesday, 4th November 2025, the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, announced that the Government had approved the establishment of an Office of Veterans Affairs. The Office is a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces and a commitment in the current Programme for Government. It will be based within the Department of Defence and will work across Government to assist with the needs of veterans.
The Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) welcomes the Government’s decision to establish the Office. It regards this as a major step in advancing a policy-based approach to veteran support services. ARCO, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans’ Association, made a joint submission to the Minister for Defence on the matter of Veteran Affairs as far back as 2018. After many years of successful advocacy ARCO recognises this decision as having significance across the entire veteran community. In particular it acknowledges the contribution veterans have made by their service to the state. For the Office of Veterans Affairs to operate effectively, it is now essential that a Veterans Policy is put in place in partnership with the recognised veteran representative bodies, Government Departments and State Agencies.
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 hÉireann with 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 four established Veterans Associations are: 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).
