Acknowledging the current economic environment, the Minister paid tribute to the considerable modernisation and efficiency achieved by the Defence Organisation in recent years. The Minister continued by saying that “These efficiencies have been converted into significant investment in new equipment. This leaves the Defence Forces well placed to meet the challenges it faces now and in the future.”

Referring to the deployment of 440 Irish troops for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Minister advised that the deployment is planned for later this year and will be undertaken in association with the Finnish Armed Forces. Any deployment of members of the Defence Forces overseas will of course be subject to Dáil approval which will complete the Triple Lock mechanism of UN, government and Dáil approval.

Concluding, the Minister paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of the staff of the Cadet School “who have moulded these young men and women into officers.”