# Defence Forces
'MV Matthew op highlights how our personnel need to be properly paid', ex-Naval commander says
Eugene Ryan spoke to The Journal following the major drug seizure on a cargo ship earlier this week.
This week
24th September 2023 - 30th September 2023
Over €100m worth of drugs on board cargo ship seized by Army Ranger Wing off Irish coast
The boarding is part of the broader investigation in to the beaching of a trawler off Wexford.
Defence action plan: Complex radar project 'won't be delivered until 2028'
The Journal has learned that the Detailed Action Plan document has been presented to Government.
This month
September 2023
Rank and file defence group gives 'cautious' welcome for military medical care scheme
The measure was a key recommendation in the Commission on Defence Forces report which looked at modernisation of the Irish military.
15 Defence Forces personnel dismissed or face dismissal from failing illicit drug tests in 2022
The Defence Forces last year spent €23,856 on drugs testing.
Last month
August 2023
Demonstrators protest against Ireland giving weapons training to Ukrainian troops
Defence Forces personnel have to now only been providing non-lethal training.
Only seven women have been inducted into the Defence Forces this year
TD Violet-Anne Wynne said that ‘the revelations around Women of Honour have been a major obstacle’ to recruitment
This year
2023
Rail review proposes new train routes and a move towards a rail spine along the Atlantic
Separately, ministers to sign-off on ten members of the Defence Forces to take part in a ‘live’ EU military exercise in Spain.
Irish history: 'For the first time since the Civil War, soldiers found themselves in combat'
Dr Eoin Kinsella shares an excerpt from his book documenting the evolution of the Irish Defence Forces.
Women of Honour say talks on Defence Forces inquiry terms of reference continuing
Tánaiste Micheál Martin is due to outline his recommendations on the form of the inquiry to Cabinet next week.
Tánaiste to recommend public enquiry to investigate military abuse complaints
The group is due to meet the Tánaiste at Government Buildings today.
Martin to Murphy: 'I shudder to think of the day where you might be in authority'
An Tánaiste criticised Paul Murphy and the opposition for their response to the forum which he called a “sickening form of politics”.
Defence Forces to participate in UN peacekeeping mission in Syria until next spring
The Tánaiste will today seek Cabinet approval for continued participation in the mission until March or April next year.
'Too much secrecy': Women of Honour tell Taoiseach that a full Tribunal is needed
The group warned that issues within the Defence Forces are much broader than allegations of sex assault and that the tribunal should look further.
Women of Honour propose terms for wide-ranging inquiry into Defence Forces abuse
The inquiry follows a review earlier this year into allegations of abuse within the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces available 'at all times' to respond to wildfires as warning issued
The Department of Agriculture issued an orange level forest fire warning due to continued high-pressure dominated weather patterns.
Hezbollah denies involvement in killing of Pte Seán Rooney in Lebanon
Five men were charged yesterday with the killing of Pte Rooney in the south of Lebanon, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group.
Five Hezbollah members accused of killing Private Séan Rooney
The 23 year old was killed during an attack last December.
Air Corps plane on flight from Dublin made emergency landing after losing engine power
The plane had been on a training flight.
Soldier accused of attacking girlfriend at Cathal Brugha barracks released on bail
Defence Forces member Darragh Baldrick has been warned not to contact his partner.
Women of Honour concerned about role of Department of Defence in new abuse Oversight Board
The whistleblower group has asked Tánaiste Micheál Martin to consider listening to them on the setup of a truly impartial Board.
Further engagement promised with Women of Honour after draft terms of reference circulated
Minister of Defence Micheál Martin met with six representative groups today.
Gardaí and Defence Forces make swoop for assets of Limerick drug gang in major operation
Three men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested during this operation.
Trooper Shane Kearney to undergo what's 'hopefully' his last surgery
The soldier will go under the knife for cranioplasty surgery today, after being discharged from hospital in February.
Women of Honour 'shocked' by appointment of Department of Defence Sec Gen to new oversight body
New laws will be required to establish the oversight body on a statutory basis.
Ex-vaccine tsar to chair oversight body formed in wake of Defence Forces abuse probe
New laws will be required to establish the oversight body on a statutory basis.
Public forum examining Ireland's neutrality to be held in Dublin, Galway and Cork in June
Micheál Martin says there is no preconceived outcome to the debate.
Former army corporal says she was raped by more senior Defence Forces member while serving abroad
Roslyn O’Callaghan said the assault was carried out by a senior non-commissioned officer during the late 1990s.
President feels sense of 'shame' over abuse probe findings but warns issues extend beyond military
Michael D Higgins welcomed the report and paid tribute to those who came forward to raise their concerns and experiences.
DF Chief of Staff: 'Perpetrators of abuse don't belong in our organisation and will be held to account'
A report published yesterday details a raft of structural failures in the organisation.
'Sadistic violence' in DF: Soldiers put in barrels with animal remains or chemicals for 'hazing'
‘Tubbing’ is one of the hazing process within the Defence Forces described in the report published yesterday.
Tom Clonan: Defence Forces are deeply misogynistic and an unsafe workplace for women and men
Today’s report is a profound indictment of the toxic workplace culture of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Tom Clonan writes.
Tánaiste says victims of sexual assault within the Defence Forces should contact the gardaí
Today’s report finds there is a higher risk of rape and sexual assault incidents occurring while members are on overseas duties.
Women of Honour group to meet with Tánaiste despite 'concerns' about 'pointless' review
The Women of Honour group said they have only agreed to attend ‘out of courtesy’.
Report finds that Defence officials acted appropriately in investigating sexual abuse claims
The period covered by the allegations is from the 1950s to 1994.
Defence Forces to withdraw 130 Irish troops from UN peacekeeping mission in Golan Heights
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin today informed the Government of the decision to withdraw.
UK Home Secretary challenges tribunal ruling over ex-soldier Lisa Smith who joined IS
Smith’s lawyers argue that she is entitled to be treated as a British citizen under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Defence Forces member who died in parachute accident remembered as 'a natural leader'
Tributes have been paid to Declan O’Connell, who died yesterday.
Defence Forces member dies following parachuting accident in Spain
The Defence Forces confirmed that the member was off duty at the time of the accident.
