Latest news with #IrishDefenceForces
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Springboard+ courses helped Louth brothers find careers after serving with Irish Defence Forces
The Springboard+ programme, which is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, helps people to do short courses to upskill in very specific areas. Sean McCaffrey, from Dundalk, spent 16 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin. He now works for Iarnród Éireann. 'I left school at 18 without completing my Leaving Certificate. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the Irish Defence Forces where I spent 16 years. After leaving, I decided to pursue my first Springboard+ course — a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork after which I was offered a job in Iarnród Éireann – a job I wouldn't have been in the running for only for my Springboard+ course. 'I saw tangible benefits immediately, so it was a no-brainer to start a level nine Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin, which enabled me to move up the career ladder with Iarnród Éireann, as sustainability is key to so many industries today. 'The impact of these courses has gone far beyond my professional life. They've boosted my confidence, opened doors I never thought possible, and improved my ability to support my young family thanks to flexible, hybrid learning. The experience has instilled in me a love of lifelong learning — something I encourage in everyone around me, including my siblings, who have all completed Springboard+ courses. 'Springboard+ gave me more than just qualifications — it provided me with new opportunities, a stronger sense of purpose, and the skills to be employable in a changing world.' His brother Liam spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces, before completing Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT. Liam now works as a HR Operations Manager for the Higher Education Authority. 'I left school without a Leaving Cert and spent 17 years in the Irish Defence Forces — during which I struggled with basic writing skills. Before I transitioned to civilian life, I knew I needed to upskill to become more employable. My first Springboard+ course, a Diploma in Management Practices from Carlow IT, opened up a world I never knew existed, and I fell in love with 3rd level education. "It didn't just improve my career prospects — it gave me the tools and confidence to build a better future for my family. When I started my role with the HEA, I knew things had changed for my family forever. Gone were the days of working three jobs and never being at home with my family — now I have a more fulfilling career with the time and flexibility to be with my family more often. I will be forever grateful to Springboard for providing me with an affordable way to improve the future for me and my children. "Looking at my own growth through Springboard+ is incredible - comparing my first assignment to my final one is like night and day. Springboard+ didn't just equip me with skills, it gave me belief in myself, and that confidence has made its way through every part of my life, from my work to my family. Most of my siblings have completed Springboard+ courses, and my 22-year-old son is considering his first course. I never would have imagined us both in 3rd level education at the same time, but it's a testament to the quality of Springboard+ and the value of lifelong learning.' Speaking about this year's programme, Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority said: 'There are many reasons to consider a Springboard+ course, but the two key benefits are the cost and the quality. If you're eligible to apply for a full- or part-time Springboard+ course the most you'll pay is 10% of the fees. If you're currently out of work, you'll be 100% subsidised through the Springboard+ programme. The micro-credentials courses which last around 12 weeks are 50% subsidised for all participants. In terms of the quality of the course and the qualification at the end of it – courses range from Certificate (Level 6) to Masters (Level 9) on the National Framework of Qualifications and are delivered by the best public and private higher education providers around the country.' Since 2011, over €400m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 110,000 people have benefited from the programme to date. Springboard+ courses are delivered both online and through blended learning and last up to one year. Courses are available on a part-time or full-time basis, offering more flexibility to learners. Applications are made through the Springboard+ website ( and applications will open on 3rd June. All courses will commence between 1st July and 31st October 2025.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Man feels 'let down' after refused son's army allowance
A man whose son was killed while serving with the Irish Defence Forces has found that he is not entitled to keep an allowance which was granted to his wife. John McNeela's son Private Michael McNeela was killed in Lebanon in 1989 by an by an Israeli-backed militia while on peacekeeping duties. His mother Kathleen was given a dependents allowance following his death. She died last year and Mr McNeela asked the State to transfer that allowance to him, but his request was refused. Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, Mr McNeela called for the Army Pensions Act to be amended. He said the monthly allowance of €340 "would make a difference to him". Mr McNeela said that the Defence Forces "couldn't have done enough" for his family after his son's death, but that at the moment he feels "let down and disappointed" and called on Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris to act. "Not many cases like this comes up. I think there is more the Tánaiste could do," he said. He added that the military pension system is "not right and is obsolete". "I would ask the minister to do all he can as he's the only man that can change it," Mr McNeela said. Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú described the situation as "unfair and mean". "We require the Government to step up to the mark," he said, as the State should be looking after the families of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice "I would much prefer that this was dealt with quietly, that there wasn't a need to do it in the public domain. But unfortunately, that is not the case. "We've all seen pension anomalies before. We're all open to some sort of interim solution, and there is a requirement to change the legislation". In a statement, the Department of Defence said it "treats any case involving a deceased soldier with the utmost of sensitivity". "In this specific case, under the current law, the Army Pensions Act, there is no provision to transfer a Dependants Allowance to another person, at any stage. "The Secretary General of the Department of Defence will this week raise this case with her colleagues in the Department of Social Protection to see what other supports may be available to Mr McNeela. "Like all families of deceased soldiers, we will do all we can to support them," it said.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Ireland lodges formal protest after Israeli gunfire near peacekeepers in Lebanon
Ireland has lodged a formal letter of objection with Israel after shots were fired near Irish peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred during a joint patrol by the Irish Defence Forces, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), and the Lebanese Armed Forces near the Blue Line on Thursday. None of the Irish personnel – recently deployed with Unifil as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion – were injured. Óglaigh na hÉireann confirmed on Thursday that all personnel were safe and continued to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon. At the direction of Minister for Defence Simon Harris, a formal demarche was delivered to the Israeli government through the United Nations. Ireland described the incident, which took place in the village of Yaroun, as "completely unacceptable" in terms of the safety of peacekeepers and the execution of their mandated duties. 'These concerns are held at the highest levels' of the Irish Government and the Defence Forces, it adds. Tánaiste Simon Harris was briefed on the incident by newly appointed Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy. Just before noon on Thursday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) opened fire in the area where the joint unit was conducting peacekeeping operations. No injuries were reported. Mr Harris said: 'It's clear to me that the actions of the IDF were reckless, intimidatory, totally unacceptable and a clear breach of the international rules surrounding peacekeeping. 'I want to pay tribute to our personnel deployed with Unifil, who are operating in an increasingly volatile and tense environment.' Read More Hamas responds to US-led Gaza deal with offer to release 10 hostages
Western Telegraph
4 days ago
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Irish peacekeepers ‘safe and well' after shots fired close to patrol in Lebanon
The Irish Defence Forces said they have received reports that a number of shots were fired in the area of a joint Irish United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and Lebanese Armed Forces patrol close to the Blue Line. It is understood the incident took place at around midday close to the village of Yaroun. The Defence Forces can confirm that they have received reports of an incident this morning involving a joint Irish UNIFIL & Lebanese Armed Forces Patrol near the Blue Line in South Lebanon. A number of small arm rounds were fired in the vicinity of the area in which the Patrol… — Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) May 29, 2025 None of the Irish personnel – who were recently deployed to Unifil as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion – were injured in the incident. In a statement, Oglaigh na hEireann said a number of small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of the area where the patrol was operating. 'The patrol withdrew from the area, there were no injuries to the personnel on the patrol and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from,' they said. 'All personnel of the Irish Contingent in Lebanon are reported to be safe and well, they continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and are committed to the stability of the region as impartial peacekeepers. 'We wish to remind all actors of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers.' The firing of rounds in the vicinity of UNIFIL positions in Lebanon is completely unacceptable. The safety of peacekeepers carrying out their mandated duties must be respected by all. Fortunately all Irish troops are safe and well. — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 29, 2025 Irish premier Micheal Martin said the firing of rounds in the vicinity of Unifil positions in Lebanon is 'completely unacceptable'. 'The safety of peacekeepers carrying out their mandated duties must be respected by all,' he said. 'Fortunately all Irish troops are safe and well.' (left to right) Chief of Defence forces Lt General Sean Clancy, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Battalion commander Lt Col Shane Rockett at Camp Shamrock in March (Niall Carson/PA) Irish Minister for Defence Simon Harris said he has been briefed on the incident. 'I want to firstly send my best wishes to the Irish Defence Forces personnel affected in today's incident,' the Tanaiste said. 'While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying. 'Today's incident illustrates the dangers that our peacekeepers face every single day while on a patrol in a region that has been increasingly unstable and volatile.' Earlier Mr Harris announced the renewal of Ireland's Unifil mandate for a further 12 months. 'Ireland is proud to have been part of the Unifil mission since 1978 with 30,000 personnel having served there to date,' he said. 'We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in southern Lebanon.'
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish peacekeepers ‘safe and well' after shots fired close to patrol in Lebanon
Irish peacekeepers serving in southern Lebanon have been described as safe and well following the firing of shots close to a patrol. The Irish Defence Forces said they have received reports that a number of shots were fired in the area of a joint Irish United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and Lebanese Armed Forces patrol close to the Blue Line. Advertisement It is understood the incident took place at around midday close to the village of Yaroun. None of the Irish personnel – who were recently deployed to Unifil as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion – were injured in the incident. In a statement, Oglaigh na hEireann said a number of small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of the area where the patrol was operating. 'The patrol withdrew from the area, there were no injuries to the personnel on the patrol and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from,' they said. Advertisement 'All personnel of the Irish Contingent in Lebanon are reported to be safe and well, they continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and are committed to the stability of the region as impartial peacekeepers. 'We wish to remind all actors of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers.' Taosieach Micheál Martin said the firing of rounds in the vicinity of Unifil positions in Lebanon is 'completely unacceptable'. 'The safety of peacekeepers carrying out their mandated duties must be respected by all,' he said. Advertisement 'Fortunately all Irish troops are safe and well.' (left to right) Chief of Defence forces Lt General Sean Clancy, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Battalion commander Lt Col Shane Rockett at Camp Shamrock in March (Niall Carson/PA) Minister for Defence Simon Harris said he has been briefed on the incident. 'I want to firstly send my best wishes to the Irish Defence Forces personnel affected in today's incident,' the Tanaiste said. 'While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying. Advertisement 'Today's incident illustrates the dangers that our peacekeepers face every single day while on a patrol in a region that has been increasingly unstable and volatile.' Earlier Mr Harris announced the renewal of Ireland's Unifil mandate for a further 12 months. 'Ireland is proud to have been part of the Unifil mission since 1978 with 30,000 personnel having served there to date,' he said. 'We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in southern Lebanon.' Advertisement
