Commissioning Ceremony of the 101st Cadet Class - Minister McEntee speech

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Members of the Defence Forces, Members of the 101st Cadet Class, and your families,

Chief of Staff, Secretary General,

Today is a proud and important day. It marks a major milestone in the lives of the 52 members of the 101st Cadet Class, as you are commissioned as officers in the Defence Forces.

It is my first opportunity as Minister for Defence to attend a commissioning ceremony, and I am very pleased to be here with you. It is a privilege to present you with your commissions and to recognise, on behalf of the Government, the commitment you make today to your country and its people.

While today is a joyful occasion, we also think of those serving overseas, particularly the 127th Infantry Battalion with UNIFIL in south Lebanon. Recent events, including the attack on UN peacekeepers, remind us of the real risks carried in the service of peace.

My thoughts are with their families, friends and comrades and I wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.

While we reflect on those serving overseas and the risks they face, it is also important to recognise the significance of this moment here today.

It marks not only the culmination of months of hard work, discipline and sacrifice, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership and service. You now join a new generation of military leaders.

By accepting your commission, you take on a profound responsibility. You are entrusted with the leadership of others, with their welfare, their development, and, at times, their safety.

Leadership in the Defence Forces is not defined by rank alone, but by character, integrity and example. Your actions, decisions and conduct will shape the confidence placed in you by those you lead and by the citizens you serve.

Your commissioning is a significant next step in your journey within the great traditions of the Defence Forces, and it is my pleasure to offer each of you my warmest congratulations.

A career in the Defence Forces is unlike any other; It offers not only challenge and responsibility, but also camaraderie and personal growth. During your training, you have developed the character and competence required of commissioned officers in the Irish Defence Forces. You have honed essential military skills, which will equip you to serve as leaders upon commissioning.

The training you have received provides a strong foundation, but it is continuous learning, humility and teamwork that will distinguish you as effective leaders.

You have taken a solemn oath today to be faithful to the Irish Nation and to uphold the Constitution. Nobody takes this oath lightly.

As members of the Defence Forces, you may be required to place yourselves in harm’s way in the service of the State and its citizens. This is a profound commitment that you have made and one for which the Government and I thank you.

You now begin your careers at a time of significant change.

The security environment is becoming more complex and more demanding. In response, we are strengthening and modernising the Defence Forces to ensure they are equipped to meet current and future challenges. This means investing in capability, infrastructure and most importantly, in people.

The Defence Forces into which you are being commissioned today is changing and I am determined to drive forward an ambitious agenda to continue the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit-for-purpose organisation capable of defending the State and its people.

Ireland needs to be ambitious in delivering the necessary capability, infrastructure and personnel to meet the security challenges, not only of today, but also of the future.

I am fully committed to strengthening Ireland’s defence by increasing investment with a view to achieving a significantly enhanced capability by 2028 and, thereafter, moving as quickly as possible to develop defence capabilities that would match those of other small Western European countries.

Nobody doubts that the Defence Forces need greater investment, which is precisely why the Government is investing record funding, with €1.7 billion from the National Development Plan between now and 2030.

As Minister for Defence, one of my driving forces is to deliver meaningful cultural change in the Defence Forces.

Transformative change in the Defence Forces involves structures, culture, capability and people management. To achieve this, it is necessary to institute reforms spanning primary legislation, capability development, HR and culture.

However, as we all know, it is not just about the funding; it is essential that we continue to reform the structures and culture of the Defence Forces and invest in members of the Defence Forces.

To achieve our key priorities, we are putting in place a number of crucial HR initiatives, which will bolster the progress already made in this area

- the Defence Forces now enjoy the full protections afforded by the EU’s Working Time Directive;

- healthcare has been extended to all Defence Forces’ personnel;

- the mandatory retirement ages have been increased; and

- a series of improvements are being introduced around promotions, pay and allowances.

Improvements in recruitment policies and processes are beginning to bear fruit, with personnel numbers starting to grow again and interest in a career in the Defence Forces strengthening year on year.

All of these individual measures, when taken together, will have a demonstrably positive impact on the Defence Forces and, in turn, on the security and defence of this country and its people. They will ensure that the Defence Forces into which you are being commissioned will be a better and safer place to work.

I recently announced the publication of the Strategic Framework 2026 and the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces which reflect my key priorities for Defence.

One of my key priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society which is providing a workplace where dignity, self-worth, and mutual respect for all.

In an organisation like the Defence Forces that will continuously evolve to deliver positive change, what is required is strong leadership, not alone from the Chief of Staff and the General Staff, but from everybody in a leadership position and that includes each of you here today.

From all of my EU and international engagements, both as Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, it is quite evident that few if any countries can address the multitude of challenges facing them, without some form of international collaboration.

With our upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, I am determined to actively contribute to the formation of our evolving shared global outreach, and emerging policies and instruments. We will do this in line with our national priorities, interests and values.

Ireland is more than ready to play that leadership role to strengthen European security in all its dimensions.

As you take your commissions, you have a unique opportunity now to be part of something very special – part of a transformation into a modern, fit-for-purpose, twenty-first century military force.

My hope for you is that you will be guided every day of your services by those fundamental principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect and duty of care for one another.

Today is a milestone in your lives; new officers who have pledged your loyalty to the State and its citizens.

Today would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of a number of people, whose contribution to moulding these men and women into fine officers over of the course of their training also deserves to be acknowledged.

In particular, I would like to pay tribute to: -

• Brigadier General Mark Brownen, General Officer Commanding the DFTC;
• Lt Col Stephen MacEoin, School Commandant of the Cadet School and Regimental Sergeant Major Stephen O’Neill and all Staff of the Cadet School.
• Colonel Seán Ó Fátharta, Commandant of the Military College, DFTC;
• Class Officer for the 101st Cadet Class, Commandant Lisa McMahon.

To the recently retired General Officer Commanding Defence Force Training College, Brigadier General Brendan McGuinness - thank you Brendan and your staff for your dedicated work.

Thank you also to the 2 Brigade Band for providing the music today.

In conclusion, can I again both congratulate you all on your achievement and thank you for accepting this commission to serve and protect our citizens and our State.

Is laochra, taidhleoirí agus scoláirí sibh – coimeádaithe agus réiteoirí na síochána.

Ar uaireanta éigeandála braithimid oraibh le haghaidh sábháilteacht. Cosnaíonn sibh ár bPoblacht.

Is sibhse ár gcéad líne chosanta sa mbaile. Seasann sibh clú dár dtír.

Cúram oll-mhór is ea é. Tugaim ómós daoibh as bhur misneach agus bhur ndúthracht. Agus stair uasal Óglaigh na hÉireann ar eolas agaibh, caithigí éidí an airm le gradam.

The Irish soldiers of today are warriors, diplomats, and academics – peacekeepers and peacemakers.

In times of emergency, in times of crisis, we look to you for security. You safeguard our Republic.

You are our first line of defence at home. You bring honour on our country abroad. It is an enormous responsibility. I salute your courage and dedication.

Cognisant of the proud history of Óglaigh na hÉireann, may you wear the uniform with distinction.

Thank you.

Thursday 9 April 2026