An Cosantóir

| 7 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE Dear Women and Men of the Defence Forces, As 2023 draws to a close, I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and that of my management board and Departmental colleagues to convey Christmas wishes to you and your families. I would like to extend my sincere thanks you to all of you for your commitment during this past year and for your continued excellent service both home and abroad. In reviewing the year I think that substantial progress was made in a number of areas, welcoming the arrival of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and two Inshore Patrol Vessels earlier this year, allowing for enhancements in our capabilities at sea and in the air. This year also saw the rollout of private secondary medical care to the enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces, and the most recent announcement of an increase in Patrol Duty Allowances paid to Naval Service personnel. These are just highlights that I hope demonstrate the ongoing investment in our Defence Forces; in its people, infrastructure, capabilities and culture. As usual there were many events and ceremonies to attend and 2023 was a year in which I had the honour of meeting and speaking with many of you at various events, including a visit to UNIFIL in January, Veterans Day in June, Defence Forces Open Day in Farmleigh House in July, National Day of Commemoration in Collins Barracks in July, the visit of the US Navy in conjunction with the American College Football Series in September, and the Fuchsia Appeal in September to name but a few. These are all great events to meet colleagues and catch up on news. On the 21st of November the Tánaiste published the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The plan sets out the detail behind efforts to enhance and transform the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation, to defend the State, and meet the challenges of today and the future. This is a really significant milestone and the results of great efforts by all involved for which they should be congratulated and thanked. The Tánaiste has re-affirmed his commitment along with the Chief of Staff and myself to this transformation. We now have the appropriate plan, structures, and resourcing, to deliver on this change programme. I look forward to working with you to build on the excellent progress achieved to date. Following the publication of the Independent Review Group in March this year, a number of initiatives have also made significant progress, including the establishment of the External Oversight body and progress towards establishing a statutory inquiry. All of these and other initiatives will be brought together in the reporting process under the Strategic Framework. It is important that everyone is kept informed of our progress on all initiatives, both internally and externally. I would also like to highlight the continued excellent work undertaken by the Defence Women's Network. This civil / military team continue to deliver on this important initiative at a time of significant cultural transformation across the organisation, with enjoyable and informative events in the Curragh, Athlone and Portlaoise, with the final more festive event of the year to take place in Cork. Internationally, as well as our continued overseas missions, the women and men of the Defence Forces have also made significant contributions this year to the EU Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine, and to operations in the Mediterranean by the crew of the LÉ William Butler Yeats during Operation Irini. Nationally, significant weather events, such as Storm Badet, necessitated the assistance of the Defence Forces, alongside Civil Defence volunteers. I would like to thank the members involved for their commitment and service. At this time of year, we remember all those serving and former members of the Defence Forces who have lost their lives this year. December also marks a year since the tragic loss of Private Seán Rooney in Lebanon and my thoughts go to his family, friends, and all his colleagues. As we approach Christmas time, for those serving abroad, their families will miss them all dearly, but I also know how proud they are of the outstanding work they do in the cause of peace and justice. I look forward to working with all of you during 2024 and meeting many more of you in person. For now, both on my own behalf, and that of my management board and colleagues in the Department, I wish all of you and your families a happy and a peaceful Christmas. Jacqui McCrum Secretary General Departmentof Defence JACQUI MCCRUM, SECRETARY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE Christmas Message

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