Pte Billy Kedian was killed in action in South Lebanon 24 years ago while saving his platoon. How fitting it would be for his case to result in a complete overhaul of the way military decorations are awarded. Still watching out for his comrades- even after all these years… Click here ...

Glad to contribute to the Dáil debate on the findings of the Independent Review Group’s report about conduct and misconduct in the Irish Defence Forces. It was also good to welcome the Women of Honour group and veterans from Kildare to hear the debate. I welcome the publication of this ...

Good week for Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces. Better healthcare for enlisted personnel. Renovation of homes in barracks for military families. 3rd Airbus C295 for airlift (first time in the history of the State) Proper order too. They have our front- we should have ...

Recently I spoke with the Minster for Defence in the Dáil chamber. Approximately one-third or 30% of medical officer posts are vacant at the moment. There is carnage in the Medical Corps as a result of this high proportion of vacancies. Also, I was particularly concerned about the news ...

Huge thanks to the Irish Air Corps for facilitating the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs & Defence Committee’s visit to Baldonnel. Superb, but sobering briefings. Candour very much appreciated. Ireland’s lack of air capability is a major national strategic risk. We need to fix this.

Statement on the 2023 Defence Budget Notwithstanding the wording of yesterday’s budget document, senior Government Ministers have since clarified that the stated €67m (6%) increase in the 2023 Defence budget does not include an allocation for the National Pay Deal “Building Momentum” currently ...

Budget 2023 - Key Points 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐄 weekly social welfare rates will be increased by €12 for working age recipients. there will also be a €12 increase in weekly payments for pensioners. the Working Family Payment threshold will increase by €40. there will be a €2 ...

This week in the Dáil, I spoke about the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic abuse. I am very supportive of this Directive and the sanctions set out, but I believe the answer is that prevention is better than cure. The emphasis needs to be on educating people and changing ...

I was honoured to speak this week in the Oireachtas at the historic debate on Ukraine addressed by President Zelenski. Slava Ukraini. Watch Dr Cathal Berry TD's contribution here.

Kildare TD calls on Government to establish a presence on Poland-Ukraine border via The Irish Times A Dáil Deputy who has travelled to the border between Poland and the Ukraine in recent days has called for the Irish Government to establish an immediate presence there. Cathal Berry, an ...

There is a persistent epidemic of violence against women in this country that needs to be eradicated. A sizeable minority of men in Ireland have unacceptable attitudes and inappropriate behaviours towards women which we must call out and challenge when we see them and educate ourselves on how we ...

Visited Moore Abbey in Monasterevin to meet with the CEO of the Muiríosa Foundation, Siobhán Bryan to discuss various issues. Volunteered at the ONE Medical Clinic for Defence Forces Veterans. Spoke to Will Faulkner on Midlands 103 about the current conflict on the Russia-Ukraine ...