Gary Skinner

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D. attended the launch of the Regeneration and Development Plan for the Reserve Defence Force in Cathal Brugha Barracks this week, accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy. Both paid tribute to those members who selflessly give their time on a voluntary basis, in the service of the State. The Tánaiste noted the changing Defence and Security environment globally and reiterated the crucial role members of the RDF will continue to play in Ireland’s capabilities. ‘A number of key building blocks have already been put in place to facilitate the support of RDF members to the Permanent Defence Force, including the 2021 amendment to the Defence Act, allowing for their deployment nationally and overseas; the establishment of the Office of Reserve Affairs within the Defence Forces, and the recent increases to the mandatory retirement ages.’ This Regeneration and Development Plan, contains concrete actions to fully operationalise the four very clear priorities for the RDF going forward; recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; and finally, integration and deployment. ‘ Commenting on the plan, the Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Clancy said, “I very much welcome the publication of the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration and Development Plan which represents a significant initiative in the transformation of the Defence Forces. Our vision for 2030 is that Óglaigh na hÉireann will be a joint, agile and fit-for-purpose military force, postured to defend our sovereignty, protect Irish citizens and secure Ireland’s interests.” For more photos from the event check out our flickr - link below! flickr.com/photos/dfmagazine… #defenceforces #reserves #service #volunteers #army #navy #aircorps