An Cosantóir

| 7 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE Dear Women and Men of the Defence Forces, A s we near Christmas, thank you to An Cosantóir for this opportunity to convey the wishes of myself, my Management Board and Departmental colleagues to you and your families. Thank you all for your commitment and excellent service during a challenging year in many regions of the world. At this time, I am thinking of those serving in Lebanon and their families. I share the Nation's great pride in the courage and bravery of our UNIFIL service men and women. We continue to monitor the situation closely and thank all those, both at home and abroad, that are involved in this important mission. As well as our overseas missions, the women and men of the Defence Forces have also continued their significant contributions to a number of influential postings in other regions of the world, as well as in the EU Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine. Christmas is always a particularly poignant time for those serving abroad and their families, who miss them all dearly. I join with those families in the pride we feel for the contribution each serving member makes to the cause of peace and justice. Looking back on the year, substantial progress has been made in a number of areas, including, the signing into law of the Defence (Amendment) Bill, the increase in the mandatory retirement age (MRA) to 62, the increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39, the introduction of a range of work life initiatives, the doubling of the patrol duty allowance, the extension of the Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax Credit for a further five years, and the renewal of the Strategic Human Resource Group. Progress has also been made on the implementation of the Working Time Directive and in the area of the Reserves with the Reserve Defence Forces Regeneration and Development Plan, launched in August. These, and other actions, demonstrate the ongoing investment in our Defence Forces; in its people, infrastructure, capabilities and culture. In a noteworthy event this year, the Defence Policy Review was published in June. This policy update addresses the significant changes in Ireland's security environment and outlines the country's defence strategy up to 2028 and sets the direction into the future. The importance placed on the Defence sector was further reflected in the recent budget, in which a record allocation of €1.35 billion in Defence funding was made - an increase of €100 million compared to Budget 2024. This significant level of funding will enable further progress in the 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. Indeed, transformation efforts have moved apace this year, with substantial advancement made on the recommendations set out by the Commission on the Defence Forces, and as reported on through the Strategic Framework reporting mechanism, which you can access online. The significant efforts of all involved, both civilian and military, in this programme of change are greatly appreciated. This year saw the establishment of the Tribunal of Inquiry, along with placing the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis. Following consultation with all Stakeholders, a new independent and external complaints system is being made available to all PDF members. This marks a significant step in addressing the recommendations made by the Independent Review Group and progressing cultural change in the Defence Forces. This year marked a significant year for the Naval Service, with the launch of our two new IPVs, L.É. Aoibhinn and L.É. Gobnait. These welcome additions, in conjunction with plans for an East Coast Naval Berth, facilitate enhancements in our capabilities at sea. Investment in infrastructure continued across the Defence Forces, with the opening of new accommodation in Collins Barracks in Cork and the confirmation of €8.6 million in funding for the construction of a new Communications and Information Services (CIS) Workshop at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp. As usual there were events and ceremonies across 2024 where I had the honour of meeting and speaking with many of you, including the visit to Kosovo in January, Cadet Commissioning in April, the UNIFIL Reviews in April and Oct, the 100th Annual State Ceremony in Arbour Hill in May, the IUNVA HQ visit in June, NS Commissioning, and Beaufort Cup in July, a visit to Baldonnel in August, the Fuchsia Campaign Launch in September, and the Inaugural Subsea Cable Security and Resilience Symposium in October. I also attended the DF Remembrance Ceremony and the 64th Niemba Anniversary in Cathal Brugha Barracks, as well as the 6th Army Reserve Commissioning in the DFTC in November. The joint civ/ mil Research Technology and Innovation Unit, along with support from members, also showcased the digital small arms simulator in Newbridge and Renmore this year. I thank this Unit and the wider civ/mil Cap Dev team, who continue to drive innovation and capability development in the Defence Forces, such as the new capability 'Situational Awareness Training'. The Defence Women's Network continued to support collaboration through networking and information events such as celebrating International Women's Day in Baldonnel. I know ASG Aileen Nolan and the Department team also greatly enjoyed the Defence Forces Women's Soccer 5-A-Side in Kilkenny in June, better luck next year team! A particular highlight for me was the Galway event in October, in which, Máire Geoghegan Quinn gave a rousing overview of her remarkable career. These events are great to develop working relationships across the organisation and always provide food for thought. As we approach Christmas, we remember all those serving and former members of the Defence Forces including other family members and loved ones who have lost their lives and passed away. Each December marks the tragic loss of Private Seán Rooney in Lebanon, my thoughts go to his family, friends, and all his colleagues and all those remembering lost loved ones at this time. In closing, thank you again for all your commitment and excellent work. On both 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 of the Department of Defence SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE JACQUI MCCRUM CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

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