merrion street

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., today (Thursday 26 January 2017) attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 92nd Army Cadet Class at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp, County Kildare. The Minister was welcomed to the Camp by the Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett.

Addressing the 29 newly commissioned Permanent Defence Force officers, the Minister said “You have taken a solemn Oath today, to be faithful to the Irish Nation and to uphold the Constitution. I know that none of you have undertaken these responsibilities lightly. Each of you has chosen a very challenging and demanding career, but it is one that is also very fulfilling and rewarding. I wish to offer my warmest congratulations to each Cadet for the commitment you are making. Referring to the members of the Defence Forces Cadet School, Minister Kehoe paid tribute to “the dedication and commitment of all those who have moulded these young Cadets into officers over some fifteen months of training.” The Minister also paid tribute to the families and friends of the members of the 92nd Cadet Class for their essential support and encouragement.

Also in attendance at today’s ceremony was Chief of Defence of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi. Six Cadets from the Armed Forces of Malta were also part of the 92nd Army Cadet Class. The Permanent Defence Force and the Armed Forces of Malta enjoy extremely close relations and today’s event follows on from a meeting held last week between Minister Kehoe and the Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Mr. Carmelo Abela, at which both countries agreed to consider enhancing current areas of cooperation, particularly in the area of military training.