Tánaiste Welcomes European Defence Agency Chief Executive to Dublin

Tánaiste and Minister of Defence, Micheál Martin, welcomed European Defence Agency Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý, to Dublin for discussions on Ireland’s ongoing involvement with the EDA to enhance and develop Defence Forces capabilities. Ireland has been a member since 2004.

The Tánaiste commented on the visit, “I very much welcome the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency to Dublin. Ireland has been a participating member of the Agency since its establishment in 2004. We work closely with the EDA to enable the delivery of key capabilities for the Defence Forces. Engagement in EDA Projects allows access to training, information sharing and key technologies that we simply would not be able to achieve on our own. Ireland will continue to use all opportunities to enhance and develop Defence Forces capabilities through the EDA.”

During the visit, Šedivý also met with senior officials from the Department of Defence, including; Secretary General Department of Defence, Jacqui Mc Crum, Defence Policy Director, Bernie Maguire and Capability and National Armament Director, Eamonn Murtagh. During the second day of the visit, the Chief Executive also held discussions with senior Defence Forces’ personnel, Col Matt Byrne, Director of Ordnance and Lt Col Fred O Donovan, Strategic Planning Branch.