Vice Admiral Mellett,
Minister,
Secretary General,
Your Excellency and our Distinguished Guests from Malta, Síochána
Members of An Garda Síochána,
Members of the Defence Forces,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Mar Thaoiseach – is mór an onóir dom a bheith anseo ag an searmanas údaraithe seo.
Céad bliain ó shin, d’fhógraíomar ár neamhspleáchas sa Chéad Dáil agus chuamar i mbun troda, chun é a dhaingniú le linn an Chogadh Neamhspleáchais.
Is féidir a rá gurbh as Óglaigh na ré sin a d’eascair Óglaigh na hÉireann, scata a chuidigh go mór le neamhspleáchas na hÉireann a bhaint amach le fir agus mná Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916 (míle naoi gcéad is a sé déag). Tá stair uasal agaibh – ceann gur cóir daoibh a bheith an-bhródúil a bheith ag leanúint.
As Taoiseach – it is an honour to be here at this commissioning ceremony.
Today’s ceremony is an important milestone in your lives. It also says something important about the value our State places in our Defence Forces, the work you do and the principles you epitomise.
One hundred years ago we declared our independence in the First Dáil and fought to secure it during the War of Independence.
And, three years later, Michael Collins arrived at this Castle to take control of the administration of the country. He was rebuked for being seven minutes late. He told them it was ok, they had kept Ireland waiting 700 years.
Óglaigh na hÉireann was founded two years later, a direct continuation of the Volunteers who had helped us win our freedom.
There is no other Óglaigh na hÉireann.
Our Defence Forces therefore have a proud history. You trace your origins – and your uniform - to the Volunteers who helped us win our independence, to the men and women of the 1916 Rising, and to the very foundation of the State.
One of my forebears, Liam Cosgrave a Taoiseach and army officer before that, once said that only for the Defence Forces and the Garda Sióchana there would be no State. At times in our history, when we have been threatened by dark forces who tried to subvert our democratic values, we have been protected by the men and women who wear your uniform. Men and women who hold firm to the true principles of the Republic and to our Constitution.
Our Army, our Air Corps, our Naval Service perform vital functions in our society.
In times of serious weather events we depend on you. We saw that in recent times with Storm Ophelia and Storm Emma. You perform essential services. And, more importantly, you provide confidence. The public is reassured when it sees your uniform on television or on the streets.
In ancient Greece the same emphasis was put on training a warrior’s mind as it was on training their body, because it was understood that strength of arms must be matched by speed of thought.
I know, that same philosophy is evident in the training our Cadet classes receive.
It is a training that is internationally respected. I would like to congratulate the 9 cadets from the Armed Forces of Malta who have graduated today. Our countries have many things in common, including a belief in the values of the EU and the freedoms it provides, and a recognition that our future lies there.
This shared set of values has seen our countries work together on search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean and, more recently, our Defence Forces have served together on UN peace keeping missions. It is a good example of the benefits of mutual co-operation for the achievement of a higher goal.
Today’s newly commissioned officers go out into the world equipped to be leaders at home and abroad.
As a country we are committed to contributing to and advancing the cause of international peace and security. Over the past sixty years, in our work with the United Nations, we have matched our words with our deeds. Irish men and women have fought and died for the cause of peace and in the service of others.
We are also committed to working for peace and security through the European Union.
As Taoiseach, I’ve had privilege of visiting the defence forces on mission in Lebanon and Mali and I have seen first-hand your commitment and courage.
Óglaigh na hÉireann is part of the bedrock that underpins Ireland’s sovereignty, part of the framework which provides for the institutions of our civil society. The right to live in a civilized society is a human right of every man, woman and child. It is where people are free, the institution’s of State function and the vulnerable are protected.
Some might take this for granted but let me assure you, the Government does not and commends those who serve this State with such loyalty and selflessness.
Internationally this is the fourth successive year of a deterioration in global peace and security. Ireland has not been found wanting in helping others. With over sixty years of unbroken service with the UN and almost 70,000 individual tours of duty our record is unparalleled. 87 soldiers & one member of An Garda Siochana have made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace and we think of them and their families.
Our Defence Forces have stood up to violent extremists, they have freed hostages, you have rescued nearly 18,000 people in the Mediterranean and tragically they have seen hundreds drown and recovered scores of bodies. You, our Defence Forces help define us as a sovereign state. Internationally they are the embodiment of our foreign policy.
This ceremony has two functions. First to congratulate you all on your achievement. And second to thank you for accepting this commission to serve and protect our citizens and our State.
Is laochra, taidhleoirí agus scoláirí sibh – coimeádaithe agus réiteoirí na síochána.
Ar uaireanta éigeandála braithimid oraibh le haghaidh cúnamh agus sábháilteacht. Is sibhse ár gcéad líne chosanta sa mbaile. Seasann sibh clú dár dtír. Ar uaireanta aothaithe, cosnaíonn sibh ár bPoblacht.
Cúram oll-mhór is ea é. Tugaim ómós daoibh as bhur misneach agus bhur ndúthracht. Agus stair uasal Óglaigh na hÉireann ar eolas agaibh, caithigí éidí an airm le gradam.
Today’s Irish soldiers are warriors, diplomats, and scholars – peacekeepers and peacemakers.
In times of emergency, in times of crisis, we look to you for help and security. You are our first line of defence at home. You bring honour on our country abroad. In times of crisis, you safeguard our Republic.
It is an enormous responsibility. I salute your courage and commitment. Aware of the proud history of Óglaigh na hÉireann, may you wear the uniform with distinction.
Thank you.
ENDS
English Translations
Opening
As Taoiseach – and as Minister for Defence – it is an honour to be here for this commissioning ceremony.
One hundred years ago we declared our independence in the First Dail and fought to secure it during the War of Independence.
Óglaigh na hÉireann traces its origins to the Volunteers who helped Ireland achieve her independence and the men and women of the 1916 Rising. It is a noble history and one which you should be proud to follow.
Conclusion
Today’s Irish soldiers are warriors, diplomats, and scholars – peacekeepers and peacemakers.
In times of emergency, in times of crisis, we look to you for help and security. You are our first line of defence at home. You bring honour on our country abroad. In times of crisis, you protect our Republic.
It is an enormous responsibility. I salute your courage and commitment. Aware of the proud history of Óglaigh na hÉireann, may you wear the uniform with distinction.