Wexford Deputy Paul Kehoe has spoken of his delight at his appointment to Government as Minister with special responsibility for Defence.
“I was extremely humbled to be asked by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, to serve in the new Government. Having spent the last five years in Government as Minister of State for Defence and Government Chief Whip, I am a very proud Wexford man to be returning to the Cabinet table. Being asked to serve again shows the value of my work over the last number of years and I am delighted that my work has been recognized with this significant promotion.
“I look forward to dedicating myself full-time to the business of defence. As Minister with responsibility for Defence, I am looking forward to the challenge. My predecessors in Defence Ministers Simon Coveney and Alan Shatter have led the department with great dedication and I am excited to be taking up the mantle now. The men and women of the Irish Defence forces represent Ireland with courage, valour and fortitude wherever they are asked to serve and I look forward to working with them all to ensure that they are provided with the resources and support to continue to play their part in our continued prosperity, security and international reputation.
“I have had the benefit of working closely with the department and observing the excellent work of the defence forces in my role in the last Government. The contribution of the Defence Forces to the 1916 centenary has made a lasting impression on the public. It has really enhanced the commemoration by the State of these events.
“Of course, there is so much more to the work of the Defence Forces. This was seen in the contribution to the flood response at home as well as in overseas missions in troubled parts of the world. The L.E. Roisin is just one taking up station in the humanitarian response to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
“With the budget of €900 million, I will be working to ensure the ongoing modernisation and reform of the Defence Forces to ensure that they continue to be trained and equipped to deliver on all of their roles. There is a big programme of work on Human Resources and on the procurement of new equipment and capital investment. As with the public service generally, there are challenges in attracting and retaining the full range of skills. We also have an ambitious recruitment campaign underway with a particular emphasis on increasing the number of women in the Defence Forces.
“I will also be driving the implementation of the priority actions agreed by Government in the White Paper on Defence. I look forward to engaging with the men and women of the Air Corps, Navy and Army as well as members of the RDF. The White Paper also sets an ambitious programme for the further development of Civil Defence.
“The formation of the new government has been a difficult process, but we have now formed a government representative of the wishes of the people. As members of Government we must now redouble our efforts and maintain a keen focus on ensuring that we serve the people.
“I am honoured to be asked to serve and look forward to my role in leading the Department of the Defence and representing the people and County Wexford in government. “
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