Ireland's first defence attachés announced for US, UK, and France

Foreign affairs and defence minister Helen McEntee said the three appointments are "a significant milestone in strengthening Ireland's international defence engagement". Picture: Zoe Linkson

Three members of the Defence Forces are to be sent to France, the UK, and the US in new roles aimed at advancing Ireland’s security interests overseas.

Defence minister Helen McEntee has announced the appointment of Ireland's first defence attachés, marking what she described as "a significant milestone in strengthening Ireland's international defence engagement".

The three officers, who will work directly with ambassadors, are expected to take up their appointments this autumn and will become part of Ireland's diplomatic missions in Paris, London and Washington DC, helping deepen defence co-operation with three of Ireland's closest strategic partners.

The appointments deliver on a key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which called for the immediate establishment of a defence attaché network to strengthen international liaison and military-to-military engagement.

As part of their role, the attachés will support defence diplomacy, build relationships with partner armed forces, enhance strategic engagement, and provide advice on defence and security matters, while working closely with Ireland's diplomatic network overseas.

Ms McEntee said: "I am confident that those appointed will bring significant added value to their roles and that, as an integral part of the Irish diplomatic network, the new defence attaché network delivers benefits for the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade."

Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, said the appointments mark an "important milestone" in the continued development of the Defence Forces.

“Working directly with our Ambassadors and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and supporting the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence, the new Attachés will strengthen collaboration across Ireland’s diplomatic network and play a vital role in fostering co-operation, enhancing mutual understanding, and advancing Ireland’s defence and security interests overseas," he said.