Minister visits Kildare to welcome new cadets at Curragh Camp

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee  today attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 101st Army Cadet Class at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, at which 52 Cadets were commissioned as officers of the Permanent Defence Force.

The Minister was welcomed by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Minister McEntee said “your commissioning marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and duty to the State. Today is the day in which you become part of the new generation of military leaders.

By accepting your commission, you take on a profound responsibility. You are entrusted with the leadership of others, with their welfare, their development, and, at times, their safety.

Leadership in the Defence Forces is not defined by rank alone, but by character, integrity and example.”

READ NEXT; Dramatic scenes at Kildare firefighters tackle van fire. 

The Minister noted that “The security environment is becoming more complex and more demanding. In response, we are strengthening and modernising the Defence Forces to ensure they are equipped to meet current and future challenges.

This means investing in capability, infrastructure and most importantly, in people.

I am committed to delivering this change. Through record levels of investment and a clear strategic direction, we are working to build a Defence Forces that is modern, effective and fit for purpose capable of defending the State and its people.”

Reflecting on recent events in Lebanon, the Minister condemned the attacks in which three Indonesian peacekeepers lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.

“I condemn those appalling attacks in the strongest terms. These incidents represent a deeply concerning further escalation.

Those serving under the UN flag do so in pursuit of peace and stability. These incidents are an attack on the very principles of peace, cooperation and international solidarity.”

Minister McEntee quoted the words of the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, who said “attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law. They must stop.”

The Minister also reiterated her commitment and that of the Government “to strengthening Ireland’s defence by increasing investment with a view to achieving a significantly enhanced capability by 2028 and, thereafter, moving as quickly as possible to develop defence capabilities that would match those of other small Western European countries.

“Nobody doubts that the Defence Forces need greater investment, which is precisely why the Government is investing record funding, with €1.7 billion from the National Development Plan between now and 2030.”

Finally, the Minister congratulated the newly commissioned Officers, of whom she said “You bring honour on our country abroad. It is an enormous responsibility. I salute your courage and dedication.”

Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said: “Today, marks a significant milestone for Óglaigh na hÉireann and the careers of these cadets who have earned the privilege to serve as officers in the Irish Defence Forces.

“Once commissioned they assume the responsibility of leadership and are entrusted with the command of our most valuable asset, our people. I have every confidence that they will uphold and champion the Defence Forces values.

“I wish them well as they begin their new role within the organisation and I look forward to them serving with distinction both at home and overseas.”