merrion street

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 93rd Cadet Class into the Permanent Defence Forces.
In addressing the cadets and their families Minister Kehoe said, “I am in a privileged position I get to witness at first-hand the important work that the Defence Forces do both at home and overseas. I am always impressed by their professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to duty. Today is the start of your journey within that great tradition.
You are here following a lengthy process which proves you have what it takes to fulfill such a meaningful and challenging career as a military leader.
You comprise the 93rd successive and continuous Army Cadet Class since the very first Army Cadet intake in 1927. This highlights the importance that Government places upon this institution and its soldiers. Today’s induction marks the largest single Cadet intake due to complete its training as one entity in the history of the State.”
Remarking on the fact that today represents the start of Jobs Week, Minister Kehoe restated his “commitment to ensure the Defence Forces maintain the required capacity and capability to discharge all roles assigned by Government. Recruitment ensures that the Defence Forces are re-invigorated with new ideas, new thinking and energetic personnel to meet the challenge of the modern era.”
The 93rd Cadet Class includes eight Cadets from Malta, who Minister Kehoe welcomed by stating that “we have established a strong relationship in the area of security and defence. I believe that their inclusion has created a positive dimension, and in many ways prepares each of our Cadets for working together on overseas operations.”
Minister Kehoe concluded by thanking the families of the cadets for the support they have shown already.
ENDS
Link to photo images from today’s induction: https://flickr.com/photos/42787928@N06/sets/72157674406627885