03/03/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 3 March, the Irish government announced the creation, on an experimental basis, of a network of defence attachés. The first attachés - who will have the rank of colonel - will be posted to Paris, London and Washington “because of their strategic importance”. “The decision to create a network of defence attachés marks an important step in Irish defence diplomacy. This decision comes against a backdrop of deterioration and growing tensions within European and international security”, said Defence Minister Helen McEntee. The post of Defence Attaché will be responsible for diplomatic representation, defence and security cooperation and representing Defence in all established relations. Ireland is a neutral country. (CG)