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Private Hugh Doherty and Private Caomhan Seoighe were serving with the UNIFIL force in Lebanon

Failings identified in deaths of soldiers in Lebanon

An independent review by a retired High Court judge into the circumstances surrounding the murders of two Irish peacekeeping troops in south Lebanon more than 37 years ago has identified failings and shortcomings in the Defence Forces operation at the time.

Ireland • 08 Jun 18

PDFORRA President Mark Keane said the findings vindicated the numerous requests submitted by the association

Defence forces right to collective bargaining upheld

The European Committee of Social Rights has upheld the entitlement of the Irish armed forces to better collective bargaining and negotiating rights.

PDFORRA • 12 Feb 18

Family members and friends attended the ceremony

Plaque unveiled for soldier who died in the Congo

An Irish soldier who died in the Congo in 1960 has been honoured at a ceremony in Dublin.

Dublin • 06 Feb 18

The GPO hosted 240 homeless people for the three-course meal followed by music

Defence Forces transform GPO for homeless party

A military operation took place to transform the GPO's public office into a banqueting hall this evening for a party for 240 homeless people.

Ireland • 19 Jan 18

The Taoiseach will meet troops serving overseas

Varadkar to visit Irish UNIFIL troops in Lebanon

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to make his first visit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to meet Irish troops deployed there over the Christmas period.

Ireland • 21 Dec 17

The exercise involved over 500 Defence Forces personnel (Pic: Defence Press Office)

Defence Forces conduct 'terrorist incident' exercise

The Defence Forces have carried out a major exercise in a number of locations around Dublin, including Dublin Port and Airport, involving more than 500 personnel.

Defence Forces • 07 Dec 17

After the demonstration, a smaller group will resume a vigil and will stay outside Leinster House overnight

Wives and partners of Defence Forces in Dáil protest

More than 100 people have taken part in a protest over pay and conditions for rank and file members of the Defence Forces.

Ireland • 30 Nov 17

Suspicious device found in Limerick

A number of houses and businesses on the Lower Main Street in Rathkeale, Limerick had to be evacuated this morning following the discovery of a suspicious device outside a house.

Munster • 18 Oct 17

Cathal Brugha army barracks in Rathmines, Dublin

Govt announces measures to increase Defence Forces

The Government has announced a series of measures to increase recruitment and stem the loss of highly-skilled personnel in the Defence Forces.

Ireland • 03 Oct 17

Simon Coveney said his messages have been 'clear and blunt' in terms of Ireland's concerns about Brexit

Brexit Secretary agrees to visit Irish border region

Minster for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said that Britain's Brexit Secretary David Davis has agreed to visit the Irish border region with him to hear the concerns of people living in the area.

News • 06 Jul 17

The number of officers available for duty, particularly in specialist areas such as bomb disposal, are far below their establishment levels

Minister says he is addressing Defence Forces issues

The Minister of State with responsibility for the Defence Forces has denied that it is not fit for purpose.

Ireland • 16 May 17

Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe said his department is facing 52 litigation claims from current and former members of the Defence Forces

Kehoe did not take controversial anti-malaria drug

Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe has told the Dáil he did not take the controversial anti-malaria drug Lariam during a recent visit to Mali.

News • 09 Nov 16

PDFORRA opposed the closures of seven military barracks in recent years

PDFORRA warns over barracks in border counties

The association representing soldiers, sailors and air corps personnel has warned that the closure of Army barracks in the border counties in the last few years could be shown to have serious consequences if a security situation develops following Brexit.

News • 05 Oct 16

The report explores the attitudes of Defence Forces personnel to their working lives

Majority in Defence Forces would look for new job

A new report on the Defence Forces has found that the majority of soldiers, sailors and air corps personnel would look elsewhere for a job.

News • 30 Sep 16

The Dáil heard that the choice of medication is a medical decision for the Defence Forces

Lariam use to continue for Defence Forces abroad

Members of the Defence Forces working in sub-Saharan Africa will continue to be supplied with the controversial anti-malaria drug Lariam, Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe has told the Dáil.

News • 27 Sep 16

Lariam's acknowledged side effects can be very severe and include anxiety, depression, paranoia and suicidal behaviour

Controversial drug Lariam removed from sale

A drug at the centre of a number of legal actions against the State by members of the Defence Forces has been withdrawn from sale in Ireland.

News • 16 Sep 16

Lt Barry Dolan: "I would like to wish my father Peter a Happy Father’s Day. I would also like to wish my daughter Anna, who was born two weeks before deployment, a great day on my first Father’s Day."

Overseas soldiers send home Father's Day messages

There are 431 members of the Defence Forces currently serving in 16 missions in 15 countries around the world. Some of the soldiers took time out of their busy schedules to send home Father's Day messages.

Galleries • 19 Jun 16

One attacker was killed and two others were arrested

Irish peacekeepers unharmed in Mali base attack

Gunmen have attacked a hotel in Mali that was being used as a base for an EU military training operation, including by Irish troops, but there were no casualties among the mission's personnel.

News • 21 Mar 16

Defence Forces exercise involves 650 men and women

'Dark Nights' military exercise under way in Cork

The largest military exercise in Ireland in recent years is under way at Kilworth in Co Cork..

News • 25 Nov 15

Defence forces chief addresses PDFORRA conference

The Defence Forces chief of staff has welcomed the Government’s commitment to increase the number of military personnel serving overseas.

News • 08 Oct 15

The strength of the permanent Defence Forces is to be brought up to and maintained at 9,500

Government plans to strengthen Defence Forces

The Government is to provide new and upgraded equipment for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, including new aircraft, naval ships and armoured personnel carriers.

News • 26 Aug 15