The Pat Kenny Show Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General of the Defence Forces
Aug 28, 2025
Rossa Mulcahy, the newly appointed Chief of Staff and Lieutenant General of the Defence Forces, discusses critical challenges facing the Irish military. He delves into the uncertain future of the Lebanon peace mission and urgent recruitment and retention issues. Mulcahy emphasizes the need for strategic adaptation to the evolving global military landscape. Highlighting Ireland's role in international military efforts, he also addresses the Defence Forces' commitment to tackling legacy issues and fostering a culture of accountability.
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Extended UNIFIL Mandate Gives Certainty
- Continuing UNIFIL until December 2026 gives the Defence Forces planning certainty despite being unwelcome news.
- Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy will use the extended mandate to plan for post-UNIFIL operations and force adjustments.
Lebanese Forces To Take Greater Lead
- UNIFIL supports Lebanese Armed Forces who are expected to deploy more troops and take the lead on disarmament.
- The Lebanese government must handle internal challenges while UNIFIL provides search and support operations.
Long Irish Service Built Specialist Skills
- Ireland has served in Lebanon for 47 years with over 30,000 personnel across services gaining operational experience.
- The mission produced specialist skills like mine-clearance, engineers, and leadership tested in real operations.