The Defence Forces supports the following veteran's organisations:
Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel
Since its founding in 1951, ONE (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel) has stood as a pillar of support for veterans of the Defence Forces. A registered charity, its mission is to provide accommodation for homeless veterans and deliver a wide range of advice and mental health support through its network of branches, Veteran Support Centres, and dedicated Veteran Support Officers.
The role of ONE is summed up in four powerful words: Support, Comradeship, Advocacy, and Remembrance. Each captures a distinct but interconnected aspect of its work, and together, they highlight what ONE provides to the greater veteran community.
Support takes many forms, from a warm welcome at a local branch to offering a safe bed for a homeless veteran, and everything in between.
ONE operates 31 branches and three Area Councils.
With support from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and local authorities, ONE has established 14 Veteran Support Centres across the country. These centres function as a hybrid between advice hubs and Men’s and Women’s Sheds, providing a sense of community as well as access to services.
ONE offers professional counselling to those in need of mental health support resulting from their service. The organisation currently has six Veteran Support Officers and aims to have seventh in place by 2026, along with a Veterans Outreach Officer, all coinciding with its 75th anniversary.
A 24/7 mental health helpline, delivered in partnership with Laya Spectrum, ensures that veterans can access immediate support outside normal working hours.
ONE currently provides housing for homeless veterans in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin and Letterkenny. Work is underway to develop five more homes in Cork, Limerick, Newbridge, Galway and Louth. By the end of 2027, the organisation will offer a total of 80 (+) single bedrooms nationwide. To date, approximately 1,100 homeless veterans have used ONE’s housing services, with over 90% successfully transitioning to permanent accommodation.
Comradeship is a cornerstone of ONE’s mission. It speaks to the bonds of shared experience, values and identity that connect those who have served. Veterans' organisations help preserve that sense of belonging, while also nurturing a collective sense of responsibility for fellow service members in need. The Defence community is not merely an organisation, it is a living organism, where each part contributes to the whole. Homeless veterans remain part of that family and must never be left behind.
Advocacy is something ONE approaches with conviction. The organisation champions the needs of all veterans, but especially those facing disadvantage. While many Defence Forces veterans enjoy successful careers or fulfilling retirements, there are others who face challenges. ONE is their voice, speaking up and standing firm on their behalf.
Remembrance is the final pillar of ONE’s work. While remembrance traditionally honours those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, it must also include those living veterans who now need support, whether through homelessness, trauma, or mental health struggles. ONE ensures that none are forgotten.
Veterans do not choose to become homeless, or to suffer with mental health issues. Choice requires both rights and opportunity. ONE continues to work tirelessly to restore those rights and create those opportunities. As the organisation prepares to mark its 75th year, its mission remains clear: to stand with those who served when they need it most ensuring 'No Irish Veteran is Left Behind'
Association of Retired Commissioned Officers
ARCO was founded in 1993 and our purpose is to represent retired officers of the Permanent Defence Force of Ireland. We have some 800 members. Our main focus has always been on pension issues and our website enables us to provide members with information on this, along with details on a broad range of issues and events.
For more information Visit the ARCO Website >>
Irish United Nations Veterans Association
The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) was formed at a meeting 1990 and approved by the then Minister of Defence. The Association is non-denominational, non-political and non-sectarian. IUNVA is Charity Registered Association. Membership is available to any Irish resident who has successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation, whether he or she is serving or retired. The Association is organised with a National Executive HQ and a number of "Posts" throughout the country.
The Main Objective of the Association is to ensure that the memory of those who gave their lives in the cause of peace on United Nations service is not forgotten. To remember deceased non-members who served in Defence Forces and Gardaí.
Membership is offered to anyone resident in Ireland not necessarily Irish or an Irish citizen living abroad and ex members of the Defence Forces, Foreign Armies and Gardaí or Civilians who have served at least 90 days service or successfully completed a tour of duty on a UN mission.
For more information Visit the IUNVA Website >>
Additional Resources
Safe Home Ireland
Safe Home Ireland is a charity that assists older qualifying Irish born emigrants to explore the option of returning to secure affordable housing back in their native areas. Their work is spread across the 26 counties and they provide supports to housing applicants at every stage of their journey, from the initial inquiry abroad to actual return home.
They also provide a free, confidential information and advice service to anyone who may be considering returning or moving to Ireland, regardless of their age or circumstance.
For more information Visit the Safe Home Ireland Website >>
Crosscare Migrant Project
The Crosscare Migrant project is a Dublin based NGO who provide information for Irish citizens who may be considering leaving Ireland or who are returning to Ireland to live.
For more information Visit the Crosscare Migrant Project Website >>
Citizens information
The Citizens Information website provide useful guides on a wide range of topics (Housing /Healthcare/Benefits/Taxation etc). They also have walk in centres located national where experienced staff can assist with issues relevant to you.
For more information Visit the Citizens Information Website >>
