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Minister welcomes increase in female Cadets in 2017 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 94th Cadet Class into the Permanent Defence Force.

In addressing the cadets and their families Minister Kehoe said, “I am in a privileged position 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.

The increased numbers for Cadet intake this year and last year reflect the Government’s commitment to ensure the Defence Forces maintain the required capacity and capability to discharge all roles assigned by Government.

Noting the increase in female cadets (20) this year from last year (14), Minister Kehoe stated that “the Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. Everyone, therefore, plays a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas”.

The 94th Cadet Class includes nine 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.