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Veterans

DF Veterans

The Defence Forces supports the following veteran's organisations:

Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel

Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel - ONE) is a registered charity for veterans of the Defence Forces. It was established on 10 March 1951, incorporated as charitable company limited by guarantee in 2000, and has approximately 1,500 members. The work of ONE can be summarised in four words – Support, Comradeship, Advocacy, & Remembrance. The primary objective of ONE is to Support the needs of Irish veterans by the provision of accommodation to homeless and other veterans in need of such domestic accommodation in its Veterans’ Hostels, and the provision of other advice and support to veterans through its nationwide network of Branches and Veterans’ Support Centres. 


ONE has three hostels for homeless veterans in Dublin, Donegal and Westmeath, with a further facility under development in Cobh, Co. Cork. In addition, ONE has 36 Branches across the country and a nationwide network of 15 Veteran Support Centres. ONE provides just under 18,000 bed nights to veterans every year in our hostels, with 95% of the veterans we help moving on to permanent housing. Our hostels have 49 single rooms and that will increase to 60 following the development of the Cobh hostel and a further hostel in the Munster area.

A recent awareness campaign about the work of ONE can be found on sleepingflags.ie .

For more information Visit the O.N.E website >>

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 >>