Department of Defence

News from Department of Defence, Ireland.

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

The Department of Defence wishes to convey our sympathy to the family of the late David Andrews, who twice served as Minister for Defence (January 1993 to December 1994 and June 1997 to October 1997).

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

[Thomas Byrne @ThomasByrneTD]

At McKee barracks on Saturday, I had the privilege as Minister of State for Defence, to recognise Civil Defence volunteers.

Congratulations to those who received their long service medals!

For more info, see ➡️ https://t.co/QVklwa8KH6

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

🌈 Proud to mark #DublinPride today, celebrating inclusion, diversity and equality.

Delighted that Minister @HMcEntee and Secretary General Jacqui McCrum joined us, alongside colleagues from the Proud to Work for Ireland Network, in showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

The Minister for Defence, @HMcEntee TD, welcomed the Government’s approval of the continued participation of the Defence Forces in the UN-authorised NATO-led peace-support operation in Kosovo (KFOR), for a further twelve months beyond June 2026

Read more: https://t.co/hvIpOECfLV

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

Today @HMcEntee held a call with Canada's Minister of National Defence, @DavidMcGuinty 🇨🇦

They discussed the evolving security environment, incl maritime security, cyber threats, critical infrastructure protection and more.

https://t.co/hxW9tV368M

[Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 @Ireland2026eu]

On 1 July, Ireland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the 8th time.

In an uncertain world, our strength is reinforced when we stand together.

In Ireland, the seanfhocal or proverb “Ní neart go cur le chéile” reminds us that we have “Strength with unity”.

[Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 @Ireland2026eu]

Ar an 1 Iúil, glacfaidh Éire Uachtaránacht Chomhairle an AE uirthi féin den 8ú huair.

I ndomhan atá éiginnte, is treise sinn nuair a sheasaimid le chéile.

In Éirinn, is meabhrú dúinn é an seanfhocal “Ní neart go cur le chéile” ar an méid sin.

[Thomas Byrne @ThomasByrneTD]

HRVP Kaja Kallas, welcome to Dublin! 🇮🇪🤝🇪🇺

Delighted to catch up with @kajakallas at Government Buildings, as Ireland looks ahead to assuming the EU Presidency on 1 July.

Through partnership, Ireland will deliver an EU Presidency agenda that delivers for Europe and our people.

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

The Minister for Defence, @HMcEntee welcomed the introduction of Supplemental Military Service (SMS) for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), which will regularise RDF activities to support the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).

Read more here: https://t.co/A4iPcOyNsc

[Thomas Byrne @ThomasByrneTD]

Joining EU Defence Ministers in Nicosia
🇮🇪🤝🇨🇾🇪🇺

Our focus is on responding to emerging security challenges to Europe, through defence readiness and a coordinated EU response.

The Irish EU Presidency will prioritise European security.

#CY2026EU | @IRLDeptDefence

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

The Minister for Defence, @HMcEntee met her French counterpart, Mme Catherine Vautrin, in Paris, ahead of Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Read more here: https://t.co/h6Kwlzscn1

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

Our statement on the UN mandates and the current status

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

Under this year’s theme “Invest in Peace”, we reaffirm our support for their vital work.

We remember the nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace, including 88 Irish personnel.

#UNPeacekeepersDay

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

On #UNPeacekeepersDay, we honour the courage and sacrifice of peacekeepers past and present.

Ireland is proud to have 385 Defence Forces personnel serving overseas on UN and UN mandated missions.

#UnitedNations #peacekeepers #UN

[Helen McEntee TD @HMcEntee]

Modern day heroes.

There is no great cause that the cause of peace, and the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann serve with distinction to that end everyday 🇮🇪 @defenceforces @IRLDeptDefence

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

The Government has approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon @UNIFIL through to the planned conclusion of the mission’s mandate.

Read more here: https://t.co/Yk5o0yb9So

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

Minister @HMcEntee regrets Non-Renewal of UNSC Mandate for EU Mediterranean Naval Mission.

Read more below.
https://t.co/wbBdRFQclf

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

Minister @HMcEntee has Constructive Discussion with Italian Defence Minister @GuidoCrosetto on Defence Procurement, Lebanon, Ukraine and Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU

Read more below
https://t.co/W0XIJpn7p2

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

This week, the Minister for Defence @HMcEntee TD took the valuable opportunity to engage directly with the wider membership of @PDFORRA in Westport at their annual delegate conference.

Read more here: https://t.co/U0IDB6wUHt

[Department of Defence @IRLDeptDefence]

Minister @ThomasByrneTD at FAC defence today

[Thomas Byrne @ThomasByrneTD]

Representing Ireland in Brussels today at a meeting of EU Defence Ministers.
🇮🇪🇪🇺🇺🇦

On our agenda:

📌 EU support to Ukraine
📌 Middle East situation
📌 Defence readiness

For more: https://t.co/1qkKeAzQTJ