Diarmuid Wilson: Government Absent at Naval Cadet Graduation
Diarmuid Wilson raises concern about the absence of a government representative at the 64th Naval Cadet Class graduation on 24 June. He argues that commissions signed by the President deserve to be presented by a minister, not a civil servant.
Naval cadet graduation concern
Wilson highlights the graduation of the 64th Naval Cadet Class on 24 June and the absence of a minister or minister of state at the ceremony. He says the event was a day of pride for cadets and their families and that government representation should have been ensured.
Protocol and presidential commissions
Wilson reminds colleagues that Defence Force commissions are signed by the President and that, when the President cannot attend, a minister normally presides. He objects to the Secretary General of the Department of Defence standing in for a minister at this important ceremony.
Expectation of government courtesy
Wilson calls on the government to afford newly commissioned officers the courtesy of official representation at graduations, arguing these are not mere attendance certificates but hard-earned commissions that merit recognition from elected ministers.
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Thank you Cathaoirleach. Cathaoirleach, I just want to congratulate the new leader of this house on his appointment by the government as the representative in this house. I know that you will do an excellent job and be balanced and fair at all times. I had the pleasure of meeting your family last week and I could see through your father, your wife and your two beautiful children that they were bursting with pride on your appointment. It is indeed a great honour, not only for you but for them and your supporters throughout the country. So I do wish you very, very well. Could I just mention in relation to what Senator Crockwell has raised here, I think he's raised a very important issue and one that should not be ignored in relation to the 64th Naval Cadet Class that graduated last Thursday, the 24th of June. And as we're aware, colleagues in this house, that all Defence Force officers have their commissions signed by the President of this country and while the President is not available on all occasions to present those commissions to the graduating cadet classes, a minister normally presides over such an event. And while I appreciate the fact that Minister McEntee may not have been available to take part in this very important ceremony for these cadets and their families and for the Defence Forces, because it's a day of pride, the graduation ceremony, it should have been ensured that some minister or minister of state was available. These were not certificates of attendance, they were hard-earned commissions and they should have been afforded the courtesy of the government and a representative of the government being present for their graduation and not the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, who is a civil servant. Thank you.
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