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The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter T.D., today (Friday 25 January 2013) attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 88th 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, Lieutenant General Seán McCann.

The 88th Army Cadet Class comprises 19 members of the Defence Forces. Congratulating the newly commissioned officers, the Minister said “The training you have received over the last 15 months has equipped you with skills necessary to face the many and varied challenges you will encounter in the course of your military careers.”

The Minister acknowledged that the 88th Cadet Class was joining the commissioned ranks of the Defence Forces at a time of significant change in the organisation in terms of the move to a 2 Brigade structure and paid tribute the Defence Forces for successfully delivering the organisational change within a very demanding timeframe.

The Minister outlined the key priorities in the Defence area during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He also highlighted how participation in overseas peacekeeping missions has been an important dimension in meeting Ireland’s international obligations as a member of the UN and the EU.

The Minister also paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of the members of the Cadet School and to the families and friends of the members of the 88th Cadet Class.