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Minister Kehoe attends Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony of the 50th Naval Service Cadet Class

Minister for State at the Department of Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., today (Thursday 6 September 2012) attended the Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony of the 50th Naval Service Cadet Class at Haulbowline in Cork.

The Minister was welcomed to the Naval Base by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), Major General Conor O’Boyle and the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, Commodore  Mark Mellett.

Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony for seven members of the 50th Naval Cadet Class, Minister Kehoe offered his congratulations to the newly commissioned officers and said that “Today’s ceremony is an important milestone in the education and training of the 50th Naval Cadet Class”. With reference to the training undertaken by the newly commissioned officers the Minister went on to say that their “ programme commenced in September 2010 and we stand here today, 24 months later, with young leaders who through rigorous academic, practical and physical education and training, have been determined suitable for commissioning as officers of the Naval Service.” In referring to the background and experiences of the members of the 50th Naval Cadet Class Minister Kehoe added that “This mix created a vibrant and fruitful dynamic amongst the group and will now serve to further add to the rich range of talents and experience currently held within the officer body and the men and women of the Irish Naval Service”.

The Minister referred to the important contribution made by the Naval Service across a wide variety of roles assigned by Government. He stated that “The success of the Naval Service in the areas of fishery protection, search and rescue and the provision of aid to the civil power, in particular drug interdiction, is clear for all to see.” He went on to say that “The fundamental role of our Naval Service is to act as an instrument of sovereignty in the waters where the Irish State has jurisdiction or an interest.  Our ships signal to everybody that we are committed to good governance in our oceans. They also serve as a warning to those who think about flouting the norms and principles of the Irish State and the wider international community.  The Government is committed to continuing to support the Naval Service to ensure that it is capable of fulfilling the range of tasks assigned to it.”

Concluding Minister Kehoe said “I would like to pay tribute to the Naval College staff involved in preparing these cadets for officer duty. Today however, belongs primarily to these new officers. They are charged with providing leadership and guidance to others, a responsibility, I have no doubt they will discharge with excellence.”