An Cosantóir

| 5 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE I t is my pleasure and honour, on behalf of the government and as Tánaiste, and Minister for Defence to convey Christmas greetings to all personnel of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and their loved ones. I want to thank each of you for your dedicated service to our country in 2023. It has been an important year. We have had to face significant challenges, perhaps most notably with the publication of the report of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality in the Defence Forces and the establishment of a range of initiatives to deal with the issue raised. When I published that document, I was clear that I wanted it to be a catalyst for change; an opportunity to drive forward the transformation of Oglaigh na hÉireann and investment in a successful and sustainable future. And in that context we have welcomed many encouraging developments this year. The rollout of private secondary medical care to the enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces was an important demonstration of Government's commitment to the health and well being of serving personnel, and a signal of our determination to make progress on recruitment and retention. We saw the commencement of the training engagement with the EU Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine, and a significant contribution was made by the crew of LÉ William Butler Yeats in the Mediterranean during Operation Irini. Closer to home, the country watched the commitment of our Defence Forces in action, as you were deployed, alongside Civil Defence volunteers, to help communities impacted by Storm Babet. We also welcomed the arrival of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and two Inshore Patrol Vessels, representing a combined investment of more than a quarter of a billion Euro, demonstrating again the Government's commitment to make the investment necessary to modernise every branch of our Military. We look forward to continuing this programme of investment in 2024 and the years to come. Christmas is a time when we think about those who are serving overseas. This year in particular, with the very difficult circumstances in the Middle East, we think of comrades serving in Southern Lebanon and offer our solidarity and support to each of them and their families. It is also of course a time when we think of those we have lost. Twelve months have passed since the death of Private Sean Rooney in Lebanon, and I know how deeply the entire defence community feels this loss. The Government continues to use every avenue and every forum available to press for a full investigation into what happened and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. I would also like to take this opportunity to mention with respect all those serving and former members of the Defence Forces who lost their lives this year, including Acting Sergeant Major Declan O'Connell who I know played such an important role as a trainer and a mentor at the Defence Forces Training Centre. Finally I would like to thank all members of the Defence Forces for your service and wish each of you and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Micheál Martin Tánaiste and Minister for Defence TÁNAISTE AND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE MICHEÁL MARTIN Christmas Message

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