News | Latest Breaking News Stories & Headlines

PDFORRA says 20% of enlisted personnel are in receipt of social welfare payments

Defence Forces chief responds to poverty claims

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces has said there is no reason why soldiers, sailors or air crew should be sleeping in cars.

News • 01 Oct 14

The UN operation in the Golan Heights was reviewed after recent violence in the area

Irish troops moved from base on Golan Heights

A number of Irish troops have been moved from a UN base on the Golan Heights in Syria.

News • 15 Sep 14

130 members of the Defence Forces are serving in the Golan Heights

Coveney: Golan Heights UN mission must change

Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has held a meeting with his Dutch counterpart regarding Irish calls for changes to the UN mission in the Golan Heights.

News • 04 Sep 14

Irish troops on an operation on the Golan Heights at the weekend

New troops set for Golan Heights this month

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces has said that, at present, the next contingent of Irish troops are due to be deployed in the Golan Heights at the end of the month.

News • 02 Sep 14

Around 400 troops will leave over the coming five years under the measure

Calls to allow hundreds of soldiers remain in army

Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has been urged to review plans that will force hundreds of soldiers to leave the army over the coming years.

News • 11 Aug 14

Private Lambe met his new daughter for the first time when he arrived at Casement Aerodrome

Irish troops return from Golan Heights

The first contingent of Irish troops deployed to Syria has returned home after a six-month tour of duty.

News • 31 Mar 14

The Defence Forces' recruitment drive is to start immediately

Defence Forces to begin recruitment drive

The Defence Forces plan to recruit up to 400 personnel to the Army and Navy this year and up to 500 to the Army and Naval Reserves.

News • 08 Mar 14

Irish troops are serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria

Irish troops caught in Syrian cross fire

An armed convoy involving 39 Irish soldiers serving in the UN mission in Syria was caught in a cross fire between Syrian army personnel and anti-government forces this morning.

News • 06 Nov 13

LÉ Eithne was one of two Navy ships involved in the foreign fishing vessels

Two fishing boats detained by Navy

The Navy has detained two EU-registered vessels for breaches of fishing regulations.

News • 14 Oct 13

Members of the Defence Forces are said to have taken cuts of up to 20% in their salaries

Shatter defends Defence Forces wages

Minister for Defence Alan Shatter has said Defence Forces personnel are paid as well as any other army in Europe.

News • 02 Oct 13

The 60c set depicts the Army, Navy, Air Corps and Reserve Defence Force

An Post launches Defence Forces stamps

An Post has launched a new range of stamps to mark the "proud and selfless service" of the Irish Defence Forces.

News • 12 Sep 13

The soldiers have been in training ahead of their departure (Picture: Defence Forces)

Irish troop deployment to Golan Heights delayed

The deployment of Irish troops to the Golan Heights has been delayed.

News • 04 Sep 13

115 soldiers will spend six months on duty in Syria (Picture: Defence Forces)

Alan Shatter reviews troops bound for Syria

Minister for Defence Alan Shatter has reviewed the Irish troops who are due to travel to Syria at Cathal Brugha barracks in Dublin.

News • 03 Sep 13

Irish troops set to serve in Syria

The Government has approved a proposal for the deployment of a contingent of the Defence Forces to serve with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria.

News • 16 Jul 13

Many of the soldiers were ostracised in their own communities when they returned home

Apology and amnesty for World War II soldiers

Legislation providing for the granting of an amnesty and apology to Defence Forces members who fought with Allied forces during World War II passed all stages in the Dáil and Seanad today.

News • 07 May 13

Shatter to cut reserve army funding by 50%

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter is to reduce the size of the Reserve Defence Force and cut its funding by 50%.

News • 20 Nov 12

Defence Forces dismisses Ranger deployment reports

The Defence Forces has dismissed as "pure speculation" reports that around 30 members of the elite Army Ranger Wing are to be deployed to tackle Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.

Ireland • 18 Sep 12

New body to represent former army members

A new nationwide association to represent former members of the Defence Forces has been launched.

News • 12 Sep 12

Confusion over downsizing of Defence Forces

PDFORRA says there is widespread confusion among members of the Defence Forces over the downsizing of the force.

News • 07 Aug 12

Alan Shatter announces changes to Defence Forces

A major re-organisation of the Defence Forces has been announced.

News • 17 Jul 12

PDFORRA expresses concern over Athlone

PDFORRA has said it is seriously concerned about the impact a reorganisation of the Army is having on its members, especially in Athlone.

News • 15 Jun 12

Pardon for soldiers who deserted for allies in WW2

The Government is to pardon over 4,500 former soldiers who deserted the Defence Forces during World War II to fight with the Allied Forces.

News • 12 Jun 12

Dublin protest over army overseas medication

About a dozen former members of the Defence Forces have demonstrated in Dublin over claims that medication they were given on overseas peacekeeping duties has caused them long-term health problems.

News • 08 Jun 12

Bambi Bucket being used to disperse the fires

Forest fires in Donegal tackled by Defence Forces

The Defence Forces have been deployed to Glengesh in Co Donegal to fight forest fires.

News • 28 May 12

Commandant Nile Donohoe was the first officer to be dismissed from the Defence Forces in over 20 years

Air Corp officer wins appeal against dismissal

An Air Corps Commandant, who was dismissed for using abusive language to a superior officer, has won his appeal against dismissal.

News • 24 May 12