# Defence
This month
September 2023
'Where the hell did that come from?' - Farrell slams Hansen rumours
Peter O’Mahony also took issue with the speculation around the Ireland wing.
Last month
August 2023
Missing in action: Ireland's national security strategy has been in the works since 2019
“There are multiple geopolitical risks at the moment… but yet all Ireland does is pay lip service to national security,” said TD Cathal Berry.
This year
2023
Cabinet clears the way for Irish troops to take part in major EU military exercise in Spain
The exercise will take place in Cadiz, Spain in October and will test Europe’s military crisis management capability.
NATO assessors return to Cork as Irish soldiers hone their skills
The Journal was invited to Killworth’s Lynch Camp to see how Irish Defence Forces personnel were interacting with NATO.
Government announces tribunal of inquiry into how Defence abuse allegations were handled
The Tribunal and oversight body announcement are key recommendations in the Independent Review Group report examining alleged abuse in the Irish military.
Report claims DOD operated 'secret laws' to halt military law officer rep body status
The comments by adjudicator Daniel Murphy are contained in a judgment which examines the employment rights of the Director of Military Prosecutions.
Ombudsman of the Defence Forces records an increase in complaints in first six months of 2023
Ombudsman Mr Justice Alan Mahon said the increase is likely associated with the publication of a report into abuse and harassment.
Consultative forum to hold first meeting today in Cork
Topics for today’s meeting includes the international security situation, cyber defence and threats against critical infrastructure.
The view from Brussels: What do EU and NATO military leaders make of Ireland's neutral stance?
Last week, The Journal travelled to Brussels to find what international diplomats and military leaders think of Ireland’s non-aligned stance.
Documents reveal divisions between Dept and military on how to handle abuse claims
Our investigation uncovers a divergence in views between senior civil servants and military officers on how best to prevent abuse.
Tanaiste says ‘Russia cannot have a veto’ on Irish peacekeeping missions
Russia is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council which hold a veto over resolutions.
Flanagan: TDs 'frustrated' by slow pace of Irish defence action plan implementation
The comments were made during a hearing with Julie Sinnamon, chair of an independent oversight group tasked with overseeing change management.
'No need' for Coveney to correct Dáil record on RAF deal but Tánaiste giving issue 'ongoing reflection'
Previously Simon Coveney, as then Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, denied there was a deal.
LÉ William Butler Yeats to be sent to Mediterranean as part of arms embargo on Libya
Opposition TDs had raised ethical concerns about the mission’s work with the Libyan Coast Guard.
Turkey becomes final Nato country to ratify Finland joining alliance
Finland – and Sweden – had been blocked from the alliance by Turkey and Hungary.
Tánaiste: Ireland needs to change military culture to attract recruits to Defence Forces
Micheál Martin was in Washington for meeting with US politicians and for briefings at the White House.
Try-saving tackles and rib-ticklers with Ireland centre Garry Ringrose
The 28-year-old had some big moments in defence against Wales last weekend.
Govt plans to review 'Triple Lock' system and how foreign missions for Ranger Wing are approved
The issue of deploying the Army Ranger Wing to protect a diplomatic mission in Kyiv is seen an example why the legislation change is needed.
Former Liverpool defender Lovren rejects accusations of fascism
A controversial video appeared after Croatia eliminated Brazil on penalties in the quarter-finals in Qatar.
Last year
2022
Action on pay imperative if Govt serious about overhauling Defence Forces, PDFORRA insists
The group is holding its annual delegate conference in Ballybofey, Co Donegal.
Ireland to step up security around offshore pipelines after Nord Stream blasts
Simon Coveney said there will be an increase in patrols by the Naval Service and Air Corps.
Defence Forces units train with NATO and EU partners but retention concerns continue
The Department of Defence and Defence Forces annual report was launched this week.
Pay increases and funding boost for radar sought as part of €8 billion defence proposals
A decision on the Commission on the Defence Forces will be brought to Cabinet today.
Nato hails 'historic day' as membership process for Sweden and Finland launched
Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg said it is the fastest accession process in the alliance’s history.
Row between two government departments over cost of ramping up Ireland's Defence spending
Simon Coveney was due to deliver an action plan on defence to Cabinet in June.
Nato leaders denounce Russia's 'appalling cruelty' in Ukraine as Moscow threatens Norway
The dispute comes as Russia’s war in Ukraine takes centre stage at a Nato summit in Madrid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been invited to participate and will speak twice via videolink.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge his NATO allies to boost their defence spending in response to Russia's invasion.
The Explainer: What's the future of EU defence - and how does Ireland play a role?
On this week’s episode, former army officer Tom Clonan talks to Michelle Hennessy about how the European Union’s defence strategy is evolving.
‘Thrown under the bus’ – Max Verstappen criticises FIA over Michael Masi sacking
Australian Masi was removed as Formula One’s race director last week in the wake of the controversial end to the 2021 title race.
Ex-Munster man Flannery handed permanent contract at Harlequins
The former Ireland hooker joined the Premiership club in 2020.
What will next week's Russian manoeuvres off Ireland look like and what's the overall strategy?
Security expert Declan Power equates the Russian exercise to a burglar testing the windows of a house.
Women of Honour Group to meet Taoiseach after Defence meeting walk out
The women of Honour group have been campaigning for a full review of how the Defence Forces handled their complaints.
Women of Honour group slams 'pointless' review into Defence Forces sexual misconduct allegations
The Women of Honour group walked out of a meeting with Simon Coveney today and said it would not be participating.
All time
Lowe's tackle, Ringrose and Conway's save, and Gibson-Park's rescues
Some of Ireland’s big defensive plays against the All Blacks will live long in the memory.
'It derails your focus from football' - Cavanagh says Tyrone are right to decline Covid questions
The Red Hand refused to entertain any questions about their Covid situation at their All-Ireland final media event.
US outlast Spain to make Olympic basketball semis
The three-time defending champions will now face either Australia or Argentina to decide who plays the final on Saturday.
Two-time tourist Furlong set for big Lions impact as Aki makes presence felt
The Wexford man was a Test starter last time around in 2017.
Hungarian prime minister 'agrees' with fans booing Irish footballers taking a knee
‘If you are a guest in a country, then understand its culture, and don’t provoke the locals or the host.’
Shaw vows to help fan who allegedly faces Old Trafford ban for throwing scarf at him
The England international reached out to the fan who was reputedly thrown out of Old Trafford following the incident.
Baxter has Leinster homework done as Exeter prepare to put Champions Cup title on the line
The Chiefs beat Racing in last season’s final to land their first European title.
