Declan Ganley(@declanganley):This was flagged to me right after the commissioning of the 64th Naval Cadet Class, Irish Navy. Neither the Minister for Defence, nor a deputy minister bothered to attend. A civil servant came instead, to represent the minister. The minister was away at a conference, not sure what more pressing engagements the deputy ministers had. Then they wonder why morale and retention is a problem for the Navy and Defence Forces. I know that this minister and her deputies genuinely just don't get it, don't understand why the commissioning of your military officers is a 'must attend'. It has no meaning for them, they don't identify with it, nor with the military. This was a profound mark of disrespect, so much so that I wasn't even sure I should draw attention to it. As a country, its just not serious, it's embarrassing but on top of that, it's downright insulting.

2026.07.14 14:55

This was flagged to me right after the commissioning of the 64th Naval Cadet Class, Irish Navy. Neither the Minister for Defence, nor a deputy minister bothered to attend. A civil servant came instead, to represent the minister. The minister was away at a conference, not sure what more pressing engagements the deputy ministers had. Then they wonder why morale and retention is a problem for the Navy and Defence Forces. I know that this minister and her deputies genuinely just don't get it, don't understand why the commissioning of your military officers is a 'must attend'. It has no meaning for them, they don't identify with it, nor with the military. This was a profound mark of disrespect, so much so that I wasn't even sure I should draw attention to it. As a country, its just not serious, it's embarrassing but on top of that, it's downright insulting.

Óglaigh na hÉireann@defenceforces

2026.06.25 16:56

Today, the Irish Defence Forces proudly marked the commissioning of the 64th Naval Cadet Class during a ceremony at the Naval Base, Haulbowline. Representing the Minister for Defence, Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, attended the ceremony and presented commissions to nine newly qualified Naval Service officers. Following almost two years of intensive military and nautical training, the newly commissioned officers have demonstrated the professionalism, leadership and commitment required to serve at sea and at home. Throughout their training, they have completed sea time across the Naval Service fleet while also commencing their Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science at the National Maritime College of Ireland. The Irish Defence Forces congratulates each of the newly commissioned officers as they begin their careers in service to the State. #ÓglaighnahÉireann#