Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans: Northern Ireland

Thursday 29 February 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Desmond Swayne inquired about steps being taken to improve support for veterans who served in Northern Ireland.
  • The government expanded the Veterans Welfare Service provision in Northern Ireland and allocated 500,000 for a defence medical welfare service pilot.
  • The government is committed to engaging veterans as the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery develops its policies and processes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP is concerned about the support available to veterans from Northern Ireland, highlighting a need for enhanced welfare and engagement.

Question

What steps he is taking to improve support for veterans who served in Northern Ireland. I am concerned about the current level of support provided to those who have served in Northern Ireland, particularly regarding their health and wellbeing.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We have expanded the Veterans Welfare Service provision in Northern Ireland and allocated £500,000 to a defence medical welfare service pilot to support veterans' health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland. On legacy, we are committed to working with the Northern Ireland Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery to ensure that veterans are fully engaged and supported.

Answered
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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Veterans
Context

Following up on previous concerns, the MP seeks clarity on how veterans are supported by a specific commission.

Question

What support can veterans expect from the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery? I want to know specifically what support veterans will receive through this commission.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We are doing everything we can to support veterans who are going through that process. It is essential that veterans are engaged as the commission develops its policies and processes. We are working closely with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that legal and welfare provisions are established, to ensure that veterans are supported through that process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about the nature of support provided by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery were not addressed.

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