Micheál Martin, T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs

“On my own behalf and on behalf of my Government and Department colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to extend Christmas greetings to all the members of ONE and to your families.

This last year has been a productive and challenging one since I had the honour of being appointed as Minister for Defence on 17 December 2022. It has also been another very busy year for ONE. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Michael Smyth on his recent appointment as Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Michael will work alongside Chief Executive Officer, Cormac Kirwan, steering and delivering ONE’s daily operations and professional services and ensuring good governance.

I had the pleasure to visit ONE Headquarters at Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield, Dublin 7 on 26 July 2023. Whilst there, I had the opportunity to view first-hand the facilities ONE provides to veterans of the Defence Forces and to meet House Manager Richard Dillon and Deputy House Manager Sinead Black. On my visit, Colm Campbell, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Audra Larkin, Director and Veteran Support Officer, updated me on the activities of ONE during 2023 and their plans for future developments set out in ONE75, ONE’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026. I was happy to reaffirm my commitment, along with that of my Department and the Defence Forces, to continue to support ONE in your work whenever possible, and through the annual grant and further funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund. This funding was put to very good use in 2023 for the important infrastructure projects in your homes in Letterkenny and Dublin to improve the quality of life for residents.

In looking forward to the New Year and beyond, this also promises to be busy period and I note in particular the plans for the opening of ONE’s fifth residential home in St. Luke’s, Cork City in 2024, which will accommodate six veterans. Some of the funding for this project will also come from the Dormant Accounts Fund. I note also that ONE has plans to open residential homes in Limerick and Newbridge in the next few years. The detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has recently been published which includes a recommendation to establish an Office of Veterans Affairs, an ambition of ONE’s for some time. 

Christmas is a time for us to reflect, and to remember those who are no longer with us. We remember in particular those who have died during this past year and our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones at this time. It is also a time to recall those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace and in service of their country. The tragic and untimely death of Private Sean Rooney one year ago is a poignant reminder that peacekeeping sometimes comes at terrible cost and we think especially of his family and friends at this time. I think it is important also to remember and thank members of ONE for their loyal service to both the State and to the cause of international peacekeeping while serving overseas.

In conclusion, I would like to wish the officers in your headquarters, house managers and staff in your homes, Branch Officers, those who run the Veterans Support Centres, and all members of ONE and your families, a safe and peaceful Christmas and my very best wishes for the year ahead.”

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