Role of the NI Veterans Commissioner Debate

A debate on ‘The role of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’ was held in Westminster Hall today having been secured by Robin Swann MP, Member of Parliament for South Antrim. The debate was called for in light of the resignation of former Veterans’ Commissioner Danny Kinahan. 

The debate highlighted the importance of an independent Veterans Commissioner, as outlined in the New Decade New Approach deal, to act as a point of contact to support and enhance outcomes for NI veterans, initiate a review of the Aftercare Service in Northern Ireland and ensure that the War Memorials Trust is better promoted and understood in Northern Ireland. 

During the debate, Mr Swann highlighted that Mr Kinahan’s resignation followed his conclusion that he could not act as “the independent voice that veterans require” due to Northern Ireland Office restrictions. These restrictions, as outlined by Mr Swann, have a range of impacts on the Commissioner’s role, including inadequate identification and support for veterans, significant barriers to accessing healthcare for veterans, and additional political and bureaucratic obstacles. 

Mr Swann also presented four recommendations to restore the effectiveness of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner and to ensure the office can fulfil its intended role: 

1. The Commissioner’s office must be fully independent from the NIO. 

2. The Commissioner’s role should be expanded to full-time. 

3. The VSO must be reinstated as an independent and trusted body, with the Commissioner playing a key role in shaping its services. 

4. The Commissioner should have the authority to submit reports directly to the Secretary of State and has the ability to engage directly with every relevant department or minister. 

Although these recommendations themselves are not revolutionary, they would bring the role of the Veterans Commissioner in Northern Ireland into line with the role and operational standing of the other Commissioners - The Commissioner for Children and Young People, The Commissioner for Older People, The Victims Commissioner and even the Mental Health Champion.