IDFOC retweeted
Defence has a part time minister.
The minister holds multiple portfolios.
To suggest defence receives “prioritising” is simply NOT believable.
📍Government is still failing on defence, contrary to soundbites & what they say to the media.
businesspost.ie/politics/i-w…
IDFOC retweeted
🚩Ministers claim 🇮🇪defence spending increased by 43% over 2yrs needs fact checking
2024 budget €1.23Bn
2025 €1.35Bn
2026 €1.49Bn
Thats an increase of €0.26Bn (21.13% in 2yrs)
Her figures do NOT incl 1% of Defence budget returned this year re overspend @ Dept of Education
IDFOC retweeted
In Wicklow for the informal Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), exchanging with HR/VP @kajakallas and @MccrumJacqui , Secretary General of Ireland’s Department of Defence.
EU support to @Ukraine remains at the heart of our work, alongside efforts to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness and capabilities.
A valuable opportunity to reinforce our shared commitment to delivering on these priorities.
#FACD #Ireland #EU #Defence #Ukraine @Ireland2026eu
IDFOC retweeted
Out now - 2026 Best Warrior Competition.
youtu.be/od3i3Vwa55U?si=N1u4…
IDFOC retweeted
Next week, at Ireland's request, a Royal Navy warship will provide air defence during a meeting of EU ministers in Wicklow. But, to comply with the Irish Constitution, the ship must remain outside Irish territorial waters
irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/…
IDFOC retweeted
Danish International Sniper Competition (DISC) - 3 Inf Bn Sniper Team.
Episode 3 Out Now!
youtu.be/rElOA4xgzS4?si=bqoL…
IDFOC retweeted
Last week OC & DCO IRISHPOLBATT visited Sector West (SW) HQ to attend the Transfer of Authority of the SW COM. IRISHPOLBATT would like to thank Brigadier General Fraticelli for his continued support and would like to welcome the new COM Brigadier General Bertazzo.
That’s what happens when @RTE doesn’t have a defence correspondent!
Top nato figure visits Ireland. Many angles to his comments of relevance to Ireland and the security of Irish people. But @rte nightly news rates it well below a conflict in a distant region that has no implications for Ireland. Bizarre prioritisation.
IDFOC retweeted
Government and new aircraft.
Excellent letter in todays @IrishTimes by Mark Prendergast on the decision made not to fit Falcon Eye to the Falcon 6X aircraft.
IDFOC retweeted
Brigadier General Louis Flynn has been appointed as the new General Officer Commanding of the Defence Forces Training Centre by the Minister of Defence and Government. A native of Co. Dublin, Brigadier General Flynn is a professional Infantry Officer with over 38 years’ experience in a variety of roles across the Defence Forces as well as deployments with the United Nations, NATO and EU.
Brigadier General Flynn has served in a wide variety of appointments throughout his career in both operations and command. He has served as Executive Officer and 2I/C of the Defence Forces Training Centre, School Commandant of the Command and Staff School, the Director of Training and Reserve Branch (J7) and School Commandant of the United Nations Training School Ireland (UNTSI). He has had several command appointments including Officer Commanding the Army Ranger Wing and Officer Commanding the 59 Infantry Group UNDOF, in Syria. His overseas experience includes multiple deployments to Syria, Liberia, Lebanon, Kosovo and Western Sahara. He has also served in a number of senior staff appointments, as a Military Assistant to the Operational Commander for the EUFOR tChad RCA mission from 2007 – 2009 and as Chief CJ-2 in the German Led Battle Group (EUBG 2016-2).
Brigadier General Flynn is an honours graduate of Trinity College Dublin (BSc Mgmt) and hold a Masters in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies (MALMDS) from Maynooth University. He is also a graduate of the Defence Forces Command and Staff School.
Brigadier General Flynn now lives in Newbridge with his wife Sharon and has two sons Andrew and Daniel.
IDFOC retweeted
A new chapter begins!
Today, Ireland formally takes the helm of the @EUCouncil
Presidency—a moment of pride and responsibility. As Chair of the EU Military Committee, I’m honoured to stand with Major General Colm Ó Luasa, Brig Gen Ray Murphy, and the entire team as we step into this pivotal role. Ireland’s priorities—Competitiveness, Values, Security—reflect Europe’s core strengths. In a world facing profound challenges, Ireland’s neutrality has never meant indifference. From supporting Ukraine to advancing CSDP missions, Ireland brings credibility, balance, and unity to the table. "Ní neart go cur le chéile”, there is no strength without unity. This Irish proverb captures the spirit of the EU and our Presidency’s mission. To our Cypriot predecessors: thank you for your leadership. To Lithuania & Greece, our Trio partners: let’s drive ambition forward. The next 6 months will shape Europe’s security future—from the European Security Strategy to adapting military command structures. The EUMC stands ready to support.
Wishing Team Ireland every success. Go n-éirí libh!
#EU #security #Ireland #defence
IDFOC retweeted
Strengthening Europe’s Skies: Civil-Military Cooperation in Focus
Today, EUROCONTROL welcomed General Seán Clancy Chair of the European Union Military Committee to discuss critical aviation priorities—Civil-Military (CIVMIL) cooperation, Military Mobility, and the Preparedness Union Strategy.
With 44 Member States and rising geopolitical tensions, seamless airspace coordination is vital. EUROCONTROL’s CIVMIL Division, led by Major General Karsten Stoye, is driving innovation: LARA & CIMACT tools for dynamic airspace management GNSS interference mitigation and Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 alignment (e.g., European Air Shield).
Military Mobility remains a cornerstone—enabling rapid cross-border deployments (≤3 days) through streamlined customs, diplomatic clearances, and deconfliction with civil traffic.
As Director General Raul Medina Caballero highlighted, increased military activity—from Air Defender exercises to Ukraine’s airspace challenges—demands closer civil-military synergy for safety and efficiency.
Today’s visit underscores EUROCONTROL’s role as a pan-European ATM network manager, bridging NATO, EDA, and Member States to ensure resilient, adaptive airspace—now and for 2030’s.
@EU @Military @CIVMIL @Aviation @nato @eurocontrol
IDFOC retweeted
🇮🇪 defending itself.
A good letter in todays @IrishTimes on 🇮🇪 lack of defence capability and the failure by the government to provide the required financial resources and will to address the crisis.
@MichealMartinTD
@SimonHarrisTD
@HMcEntee
@IRLDeptDefence
IDFOC retweeted
ATALANTA in Rota
Visited EUNAVFOR ATALANTA’s OHQ in Rota today, meeting Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva, Operational Commander. Since 2008, Atalanta has been the backbone of EU maritime security, protecting WFP vessels, combating piracy, and ensuring stability in the Northwestern Indian Ocean.
Spain’s leadership—324 personnel, a frigate, and MPRA—proves its unwavering commitment to CSDP and global security. Grateful for their professionalism and dedication in keeping critical sea lanes safe! Also honoured to visit the FG Navarra and crew.
Security through Unity, Credibility through Capability
#Atalanta #CSDP #Maritime #NATO #Security #Military #EU #Kallas
IDFOC retweeted
Michael McDowell: ‘Do we really need multiple senior finance and education ministers? We do need a full-time senior minister for defence to rescue Ireland’s capacity for its own internal and external security from the pitiful neglect of the last 20 years.’ irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/…
IDFOC retweeted
IRISHPOLBATT would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Serbian Peacekeeper killed during the week.
Our thoughts are with all injured peacekeepers, whom we wish a full recovery.
Ar dheis Dé go raimh a anam dílis.
IDFOC retweeted
Taoiseach proposes referendum to create new ministerial office for maritime issues.
How about a dedicated full-time Minister for Defence, necessary to drive the change and required improvement in defence capability.
It's time to fix defence.
irishtimes.com/politics/2026…
