merrion street

Minister for State at the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., today (Thursday 5 September 2013) attended the Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony of the 51st Naval Service Cadet Class at Haulbowline in Cork.

Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony for six members of the 51st 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 51st Naval Cadet Class”. With reference to the training undertaken by the newly commissioned officers the Minister went on to say “their programme commenced in September 2011 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.”

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 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 over Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction, which is an area 12 times larger than Ireland. 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 “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”.