Published on Wednesday17thApril2019
90th Anniversary and Launch of the Employer Engagement Handbook
The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., yesterday attended the 90th Anniversary of the Establishment of the RDF and the launch of the Employer Engagement Handbook at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin.
This event was organised by the Defence Forces to acknowledge the contribution that members of the RDF, serving and former, have made to the State and to continue to build the strength of the force for the future.
The Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Mr. Maurice Quinn and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett accompanied the Minister, along with senior representatives from the Department of Defence and Military Management.
In recognising this service, the Minister reflected on the “long and proud history” of the Reserve Defence Force stemming back to the formation of the Volunteer Reserve in 1929.
He acknowledged the men and women who “selflessly give their spare time in the service of the State and are an integral part of Ireland's Defence capability.”
He also commented on the diverse nature of the force with members coming from all walks of life and pointed out how the force has often served as a springboard for a career in the Permanent Defence Force.
In his address, the Minister noted the many serving and former leaders who commenced their Defence careers in the Reserve Defence Force.