Tánaiste Visits McKee Barracks for Veterans Day 2025

Simon Harris commits to the establishment of a dedicated Office for Veteran Affairs

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, today (Sunday September 28th) visited McKee Barracks, Dublin, as part of the Defence Forces’ Veterans’ Day, where he paid tribute to the service provided by Defence Forces’ veterans to the State.

During his visit, Mr Harris committed to the establishment of a dedicated Office for Veteran Affairs with a memo due to brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks.

The Tánaiste was joined at McKee Barracks by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy.

Addressing those in attendance, the Tánaiste paid tribute to the extraordinary contribution made by the country’s Veterans, both at home and on Peacekeeping missions overseas.

“Now in its 12th year, Veterans’ Day marks a sacred moment for us, as a nation, to honour those who have worn the uniform of Óglaigh na hÉireann with such pride and distinction, the Tánaiste said.

“Veterans’ Day is an opportunity too for us to reflect on the extraordinary courage, contributions, and indeed sacrifices, that our Defence Forces personnel have made both at home and in conflict zones around the world.”

“I want to pay tribute to the important role that each of you have played during your career at home and overseas. Your dedication and service has contributed in no small measure to the excellent reputation that Ireland and the Defence Forces enjoy. I thank you for your commitment”.

On Veteran’s Day, the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said:

“Óglaigh na Éireann sees veterans as a central part of our military community. They are the embodiment of the Defence Forces Values and represent the strength of the camaraderie and friendships developed through military service. I would like to thank our Veterans for their service and careers and their continued contributions to the Defence Forces' Family.”

The Tánaiste also emphasised the importance of family support, saying,

"I want to welcome, acknowledge and thank in particular your family members and your loved ones for the essential role they have played in supporting you during your service and for the inevitable sacrifices that this has involved”.

The Tánaiste further added, “The Government is committed to supporting veterans for the contribution and service they have made to the State. We will follow through on our commitment in the Programme for Government 2025 to establish an Office of Veterans’ Affairs. My officials are working very hard on this with the appropriate consultations ongoing and I intend to bring a memo to Cabinet on its establishment next month.