Veterans' charity ONE calls for National Veterans' Office and National Policy amid €860,000 funding shortfall

Irish Defence Forces veterans’ charity, Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann / the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) has today called for the development of a comprehensive Veterans’ Policy and the creation of an Office of Veterans’ Affairs.

The call comes as ONE’s 2024 Annual Report reveals a stark funding gap of €860,000 for the year ahead.

ONE requires approximately €1.5 million to maintain its housing and mental health services, but with only €640,000 (42 per cent) expected from state funding, it is increasingly reliant on public donations, partnerships, and fundraising to continue supporting homeless veterans and those in need of mental health services.

Speaking at the charities Annual Convention, CEO of ONE, Cormac Kirwan said: "The establishment of an Office of Veterans’ Affairs is an essential step to ensuring that Irish veterans receive the support and recognition they deserve."

"Our veterans have served this country with honour, and urgently need the structured and sustainable support required to rebuild their lives," Mr Kirwan added.

Left to Right: Chairman of ONE Colm Campbell; Minister of State for Defence Jennifer Carroll McNeill; Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy; President of ONE Mick Kinahan; Secretary General of the Department of Defence Jacqui McCrum; and CEO of ONE Cormac Kirwan at the launch of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann's Annual Fuchsia Appeal at the National Memorial in Merrion Square. Photograph supplied by Conor McGorry of ClearStory International.

A spokesperson for ONE has said that the funding challenge 'comes at a critical time', as the cost of homelessness continues to rise.

They elaborated: "According to research by Ryan & McConnell (2015) and estimates from Focus Ireland (2023), the cost of supporting a homeless person in Ireland is approximately €32,000 to €34,000 per year.

"This is in contrast to ONE’s model which offers a more cost-effective solution, with the annual cost of housing and supporting a homeless veteran estimated at €10,500 outside Dublin and €14,300 within the capital, net of contributions by residents.

"The announcement coincides with the launch of the charities 2024 Fuchsia Appeal and the unveiling of its 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the lack of specific state funding for its homes outside Dublin, and the growing demand for its mental health services which has placed an even greater strain on the charity’s resources."

The spokesperson continued: "In response to these challenges, ONE is renewing its call for a formal Office of Veterans’ Affairs and a National Veterans’ Policy, which would provide structured support for Ireland’s veterans.

"The Commission on the Defence Forces’ 2022 report endorsed the establishment of an Office of Veterans’ Affairs and ONE is urging the government to prioritise the implementation of this body to ensure that veterans receive the dedicated support they deserve."

They also said that earlier this week, the organisation announced plans for five additional Veterans homes by 2026, as well as two new Veteran Support Officers (VSO’s) and the establishment of a permanent 24 / 7 Veterans support helpline.

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ANNUAL APPEAL

The annual Fuchsia Appeal was first launched in 2009 and serves as a key fundraiser for ONE’s essential services.

The fuchsia was chosen as the fundraising emblem due to its presence across all of Ireland.

The flower, commonly known as 'Deora Dé' or 'God’s Tears', serves as a reminder of home for all service personnel.

The Fuchsia Badge is now sold as part of the Appeal to fund ONE's supports services.

Donations to the 2024 Fuchsia Appeal can be made here.