Published on Monday14thOctober2019

Minister with Responsibility for Defence Attends Induction of the 96th Cadet Class

20191014 Cadet Class

Today, the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D. attended the Defence Forces Training Centre, in the Curragh, County Kildare to welcome the 96th Cadet Class into the Permanent Defence Force.

In addressing the cadets and their families Minister Kehoe said,

My role affords me the privilege of witnessing at first-hand the Defence Forces delivering on their high standards of operations both at home and overseas, in loyal service to the state. The young men and women around you, your fellow Cadets, will today begin a journey that will test you both physically and mentally. It’s a journey that won’t always be easy. But it is one I know you embark on with both energy and determination. And so, as Minister, my overriding request to you all today is work together and look after one another in order to stay on the path to becoming officers and indeed leaders. Your strength of character will be tested. But it will also be enhanced to prepare you for the demands that will be made of you over the coming months and years.

The Minister was accompanied by Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM.