An Cosantóir

| 5 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE A s 2024 draws to a close, I want to wish all personnel of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and your loved ones, a very happy Christmas and a joyful new year. I want to thank each of you for your dedicated service to the State in 2024. It has been another busy 12 months at home and abroad across the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and Reserve Defence Forces. I want, in particular, to pay tribute to the men and women of the 124th Infantry Battalion, under the command of Lt Col Tom Fox, whom I had the opportunity to visit in Lebanon in May. We are incredibly grateful for their professionalism and dedication amid incredibly challenging circumstances. Their successors in the 125th Battalion now have a critical role in monitoring the recently agreed ceasefire. Our soldiers are not just military personnel; they are individuals who have chosen to serve a greater purpose. With robust training and strength of character, along with the support of comrades, they are promoting peace, stability, and security in a difficult and complex region. Our thoughts also go to the families of all those serving overseas. In Budget 2025 in October, the Government committed to a record €1.35 billion in Defence funding. This will enable further progress on the transformation of the Defence Forces, and will allow for crucial progress on important defence projects such as military radar, subsea awareness, force protection equipment and Defence Forces infrastructure. This year, I also launched the Regeneration and Development Plan for the Reserve Defence Force, which I regard as a vital part of the transformation process. This plan contains concrete actions to drive forward recruitment and retention, resourcing, training and education and integration and deployment. Another important step in the modernisation of our Defence Forces in 2024 was increasing the mandatory retirement age for Defence Forces personnel from 60 to 62. This allows members who want to remain in service longer to do so, along with helping the Defence Forces in their efforts to retain highly trained, skilled and experienced personnel. The Oireachtas also passed important legislation in 2024. The Defence (Amendment) Act 2024 includes provisions establishing the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis, and prohibiting the use of the term "Óglaigh na hÉireann" except where such use is authorised by law. This year, for the eighth time, the Defence Forces participated in an EU Battlegroup, demonstrating the willingness, capability and readiness to act within the framework of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy, and to further enhance our commitment towards global peace and security. 2024 also saw the continuation of the Defence Forces' training engagement with the EU Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine. Christmas is also a time when we remember those who have gone before us. We remember those who have lost their lives while serving with the Defence Forces, as well as our friends and colleagues who have passed away in 2024. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha. Finally, I would like to wish you and your family's good health and happiness for Christmas. Again, I want to thank you for your service and wish you all the best in the year ahead. Micheál Martin Tánaiste and Minister for Defence TÁNAISTE AND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE MICHEÁL MARTIN CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

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