An Cosantóir

| 5 A s 2025 draws to a close, I want to extend my warmest Christmas wishes to all the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and to your families, whose support is so deeply valued. I am deeply grateful for the service and dedication of the members of our Defence Forces, both at home and overseas. It is a privilege to write this Christmas message and to convey my appreciation, and that of the Government, for the work of our soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women. I want to assure all personnel of the Government's gratitude and of our ongoing commitment to invest in the people of our Defence Forces and in the capabilities and facilities needed to support their vital roles. Christmas is a time for family and friends, and it is also a time when our thoughts turn to those who cannot be with us. This year, my thoughts are with the members of the 127th Infantry Battalion serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. They continue a proud tradition of generations of Irish Defence Forces personnel who have served with distinction in the pursuit of peace. I am thinking, too, of their families, the unseen heroes who, through their steadfast support over decades, have made Ireland's peacekeeping contribution possible. As the UNIFIL mission nears its conclusion, we remember all who wore the UN's blue beret with pride, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. Foremost among them in our memories is Private Seán Rooney, whose anniversary falls at this time and whose service will never be forgotten. This year saw the appointment of a new Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, following General Seán Clancy's appointment as Chair of the EU Military Committee. I wish them both every success and I look forward to working closely with Lieutenant General Mulcahy and the Defence Forces Board as we advance an ambitious programme. Christmas is a moment for reflection and we can look back on significant progress during 2025. The Government has allocated record funding of €1.5 billion for defence in 2026, an 11% increase on 2025 and 35% since 2022, along with €1.7 billion in capital investment through the National Development Plan to 2030. These commitments demonstrate our determination to strengthen Ireland's defence capabilities and safeguard our people. In 2025, capability improved across all three services, including €46.3 million for a new Headquarters and Training Centre for the Army Ranger Wing, delivery of the Air Corps' third Airbus 295 aircraft and the signing of a major contract for new towed sonar capability. I am especially pleased by the establishment of the new Office of Veterans' Affairs, an important recognition of the exceptional contribution of our veterans, both at home and on peacekeeping missions around the world. Finally, I want to wish all personnel of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and your loved ones, a very happy Christmas and a joyful New Year. MINISTER FOR DEFENCE HELEN HELEN McENTEE McENTEE www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Helen McEntee Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

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