Full text of Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin's St Patrick's Day Address to Óglaigh na hÉireann:
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir!
It is a privilege for me as Minister for Defence to express the appreciation not only of the Government, but of a grateful nation, for the invaluable work that you in our Defence Forces are doing at home and abroad this St Patrick's Day.
This is our national day and the day on which we reflect on what it means to be Irish. We do what comes naturally to us - we reach out and we connect with communities around the globe.
For over 100 years we have been an active member of the international community in the promotion of democracy, peace, and security. Nowhere is this engagement more evident, than in the Middle East. Ireland has strong political and historical ties to Lebanon, arising from our long-standing involvement in UNIFIL.
The work of Óglaigh na hÉireann encapsulates all that is good and positive in effective peacekeeping, not least with regard to humanitarian activities.
Peacekeeping has helped save countless lives and brought peace and stability to many countries over the decades.
It is an essential component of Ireland's foreign policy, driven by the very values and principles that have guided the actions of our State on the international stage since independence.
It is a commitment to multilateralism and to the values of peace, international security, and global justice.
Peace is fragile. It can not and should not be taken for granted. Like so many other things, it can be hard fought and easily lost.
I'm also mindful of the sacrifices made by loved ones separated for long periods of time while our
Defence Force members serve our country overseas.
Our thoughts are with you, our Defence Force members, along with your families and loved
ones on this St. Patrick's Day.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.
Visit gov.ie/defence for more.
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