Simon Meets Viv To Talk Veterans Days

Harris with the Irish United Nations Veterans Association TUES11MAR25

atest press release from An Garda Síochána, issued on Tuesday, March 11th 2025…

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, today met with representatives from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) to discuss key issues affecting Irish veterans.

Among those in attendance was IUNVA’s National Welfare Officer, Viv Collins, a proud Wicklow native, whose tireless work on behalf of veterans was commended by Tánaiste Simon Harris during the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, the Tánaiste said: “I was honoured to meet with IUNVA today in my role as Minister for Defence, and especially pleased to welcome Wicklow’s own Viv Collins, who has been an outstanding advocate for our veterans in Wicklow and across the country.

“IUNVA has provided vital support to those who have served on UN peacekeeping missions, and their work is invaluable to the veteran community.

“I was glad to be able to speak with members on IUNVA’s financial support, capital projects, and pension parity.

“I was keen to reaffirm Government’s commitment to veterans, and glad to confirm that IUNVA’s annual grant was recently increased to €40,000, with additional funding of €330,000 secured from the Dormant Accounts Fund for special projects.

“How we treat our defence veterans matter.

“This year I will establish an Office of Veteran Affairs to ensure a policy focus on this. Respecting those who serve, listening to their advice and experience is important.

“We also had the opportunity to discuss plans for a new Veterans Training Centre.

“I really welcomed IUNVA’s input on the upcoming Office of Veterans Affairs, a key Government commitment designed to enhance support for former service members.”