Minister McEntee welcomes Cabinet decision on the establishment of a Defence Attaché network
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From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 3 March 2026
- Last updated on: 3 March 2026
Minister McEntee welcomes Cabinet decision on the establishment of a Defence Attaché network
Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, has today (3 March) secured Cabinet approval for the establishment of a Defence Attaché network on a pilot basis, with Ireland’s bilateral embassies in Paris, London and Washington DC chosen as the programme’s locations in light of their strategic importance.
The decision to establish a Defence Attaché network marks an important moment in Irish Defence diplomacy. This decision comes in the context of a deteriorating, and increasingly contested, European and international security environment and demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to further develop and deepen bilateral relations with like-minded partners.
Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD
The establishment of a Defence Attaché Network will enhance Ireland’s strategic partnerships, improve military cooperation with key partners and ensure Ireland’s defence expertise and perspectives are represented within important strategic forums. These new postings will enable us to exchange information, support shared security objectives and continue to contribute to global peace and stability and advance Ireland’s interests abroad.
The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt Gen Rossa Mulcahy
The Defence Attaché role will be tasked with responsibilities including diplomatic representation, defence and security cooperation as well as being the Defence representative in all relationships formed. Selected candidates will therefore bridge the gap between military and diplomatic channels and serve as a useful link, as instructed, in shaping defence policy and strategy and in enhancing diplomatic relations.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022 stated that international liaison and co-operation between the Defence Forces and the armed forces of other countries should be enhanced and strengthened with the immediate creation of a Defence Attaché network.
The Commission were of the view that the basing of these personnel in locations of strategic importance to Ireland can provide vital and timely feedback on defence and security matters through both official and personal interactions and should provide a valuable addition to a number of our diplomatic missions abroad.
The establishment of a Defence Attaché network will align with the Global strategy to grow Ireland’s footprint overseas and accrue benefits for the Defence Forces, Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It was also agreed that, while the attachés envisaged for the pilot programme will be military personnel from the Defence Forces, consideration may be given to assigning civilian personnel from the Department of Defence in circumstances where this would be particularly relevant to and support the particular policy priorities to be pursued in a particular location.
Following Government approval today, Minister McEntee will request the Chief of Staff to proceed with an agreed selection process, without delay, to identify candidates at the level of Colonel for the three priority locations.