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Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Kanishka bombing anniversary: Diplomats of Canada, Ireland join victims' families in solidarity
New Delhi, Top diplomats of Ireland and Canada joined families of the victims of Air India 182 Kanishka bombing in a show of solidarity at a solemn ceremony held here on Monday, marking the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack. Kanishka bombing anniversary: Diplomats of Canada, Ireland join victims' families in solidarity On June 23, 1985, the Boeing 747 aircraft was blown up by a bomb at an altitude of 9,400 metres and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while in Irish airspace, killing 329 people on board. The three countries India, Canada and Ireland share the grief of this air tragedy that had left the world stunned 40 years ago. Flight AI 182 was operating on the Montreal-London-Delhi route. Family members of the passengers and crew of the plane gather every year at various memorials set for the victims. In Delhi, Canada's charge d'affaires Jennifer Daubeny and Irish ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly joined families of the victims of the tragedy at a commemoration ceremony held at Canada House to mark the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack, according to a statement issued by the Canadian High Commission here. Senior officials from the government of India and members of the diplomatic community also attended the ceremony, it said. A minute of silence was also observed in memory of the victims of the recent air crash in Ahmedabad. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid tributes to the victims of Air India 182 'Kanishka' bombing, and said it was "one of the worst acts of terrorism" and stands as a stark reminder of why the world must show zero tolerance towards terrorism and violent extremism. The Montreal-New Delhi Air India 'Kanishka' Flight 182 exploded 45 minutes before it was supposed to land at London's Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people on board, most of them Canadians of Indian descent. "On the 40th anniversary of Air India 182 'Kanishka' bombing, we honour the memory of the 329 lives lost in one of the worst acts of terrorism. A stark reminder of why the world must show zero tolerance towards terrorism and violent extremism," Jaishankar said on X. Besides, two more people were killed in a separate, but related, bombing at the Narita Airport in Japan. "Relatives of the victims travelled to Ireland in the days following the bombing. The Irish Naval Service led a recovery operation to retrieve the remains of the victims and wreckage of the flight," the Canadian High Commission sad in its statement. Many of the relatives stayed with the villagers of Ahakista, County Cork, during this time. A permanent memorial was erected by the village in 1986, and a commemoration is held there each year on the morning of June 23. On Monday, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri attended the memorial event and paid homage to the victims at Ahakista Memorial in Cork, Ireland. "Paying homage to victims of Air India Kanishka bombing at Ahakista Memorial in Cork, Ireland with the Irish Prime Minister HE @MichealMartinTD, Canadian Minister of Public Safety HE Gary Anandasangaree @gary_srp and members of the Indian delegation," he said on X. At the Canada House ceremony in Delhi, guests signed a remembrance book on the occasion and planted a tree in memory of the victims. "Today is the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada a day that marks the anniversary of the bombing of Flight 182 and the lives lost. As we mark its 40th anniversary, we join with the families of the victims in paying homage to each one of the precious lives lost in this tragedy. This anniversary is a reminder that we need to work together to defeat the forces of terrorism and support the peace and safety of our citizens," Daubeny was quoted as saying in the statement. A total of 329 people were killed in the Air India bombing, including 268 Canadians, it said. "Forty years on from the tragedy of Flight 182, we remember with sorrow the 329 innocent lives lost to an evil act of terror. It is with some solace we recall the manner in which the people of Ahakista in County Cork came out to support the families of those who died. "Today, here in India, in Ireland and Canada, we stand in solidarity with their families. May their memory live on and be a reminder of the fact that innocent civilians need to be safe from terror wherever they are in the world," Ambassador Kelly said. On Sunday, Puri had posted on X that he was on the way from Heathrow in the UK to Cork, and leading an Indian delegation to the memorial event at the Ahakista Memorial. "On the way from Heathrow to Cork... The dastardly mid-air bombing of Air India Kanishka Flight 182 in 1985 which claimed 329 innocent lives off the Irish Coast remains one of the most inhuman acts of terror in aviation history," he had said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Journal
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Ireland signs deal with French company for sonar to detect submarines and monitor undersea cables
IRELAND HAS SIGNED a multi-million euro deal with French company Thales DMS for sonar for the Irish Naval Service which will be able to detect submerged submarines and help to protect subsea cables. The Tánaiste Simon Harris, who is Minister for Defence, signed the deal in recent days for what will be a towed sonar array. This will be a device which is dragged behind naval ships and monitors what is below the surface. The Department of Defence has said the sonar, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for 'monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security'. It is anticipated that it will be operational in 2027. The announcement comes just days after the public consultation for a Maritime Security Strategy was launched . Harris said that the state-of-the-art sonar system will be key to monitoring activities around subsea internet and electricity interconnector cables as well as gas pipelines. 'This significant investment in sonar capability will provide the Naval Service with a state-of-the-art sonar system, which will enable them to build a picture of our subsea, thus contributing to the important task of protecting our critical underwater infrastructure. 'This is one of many strands of work being progressed to address the threats in our maritime domain. It will serve as an important first step in creating a 'pattern of life' in the subsea domain, with future projects further enhancing this capability,' he said. The Tánaiste said that it is part of the programme for Government commitment on the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and also a realisation of recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces report to enable the Irish military to monitor under the waves. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, also welcomed the signing of the deal. 'This capability will greatly enhance the Defence Forces' situational awareness across domains and is a welcome advancement in the continued development and transformation of the Óglaigh na hÉireann,' he said. Advertisement Tánaiste and Defence Simon Harris. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo It is understood that the information gathered by sonar project will feed into a European wide strategic information picture. The Irish use of the data will also be used to detect illegal fishing, drug trafficking as well as espionage and terrorist activities. It has not been revealed what the exact type of sonar will be but sources have referenced the CAPTAS range offered by Thales . In February last year the French company supplied its top of the range system CAPTAS-4 to the US Navy. This system is on many naval ships across the world including British, French, Italian, Spanish and Chilean navies. Sources believe the most likely equipment for the Irish Naval Service will be the CAPTAS-1 system which is for use by smaller patrol ships. It is understood work is continuing of the procurement and assessment of companies for the proposed primary radar to monitor the air and sea around Ireland as well as a major project to equip Ireland with new armoured personnel carriers. The Department of Defence is taking the lead in the coordination and development of Ireland's first National Maritime Security Strategy; The Naval Service are observers on an EU co-operation PESCO project on Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection. The Government also recently approved the Defence Forces' participation in the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). This is an EU initiative which enables structured and secure information-sharing among EU maritime authorities, both civil and military, allowing for more effective operations at sea amid new and evolving maritime threats. Recently the Department of Defence worked with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and energy operators to stress test critical infrastructure in the energy sector in Ireland against man-made threats. The results of these tests have been shared with the European Commission, as part of a cross-EU process. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Defence Forces' members criticise ‘elitist' and ‘archaic' behaviour by some senior officers
A 42-year veteran of the Irish naval service who previously described some senior officers as acting like they're in the 'British Raj' says it is clear from speaking to Defence Forces members this week that an 'elitist' mindset remains for many senior military figures. 'It originated a long time ago, and it is demeaning,' said Ken Holland, speaking at the annual conference of the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDForra). 'There's an elitism there among some. And you don't make any friends by saying it or sticking your head above the parapet,' said Mr Holland. He said many members were expected to wait hand on foot like servants for senior officers in aristocratic fashion, cleaning officers' toilets and cabins and providing them with silver service at mealtimes. READ MORE It was a particular issue for senior officers who had trained in the UK, according to Mr Holland, as they had 'learned some of their ways'. 'Those [officers], they do demean, and I saw it myself. People felt devalued. People just felt like there was a divide there, and it was there,' he said. Members in attendance at the conference appeared to agree, with a motion passed seeking to 'cease the practice of our members catering to the needs of commissioned officers during meal times to reflect a modern Defence Forces'. Introducing the motion – the third such one in the last five years – a delegate told of the rigorous training that one must go through as a member of the Defence Forces: 'Why is it that these people, trained in logistics from the beginning of their careers, end up spending most of their time cleaning private cabins and toilets of commissioned officers, running around the ship to figure out their meal preferences and setting up the officers' mess table to a standard that could rival any hotel?' The delegate spoke of a buzzer next to the officers' dining table that they could press to summon someone for their every whim during mealtimes. 'This, to me, is like calling someone like a dog,' the delegate said. 'It's not often used, to my knowledge. But, in my opinion, the fact that it exists is a disgrace. 'I've heard many speeches up here today about the Defence Forces moving into a modern Defence Forces. How can we call it a modern Defence Forces, or even a modern navy, when this archaic behaviour still exists?' When the speaker concluded, attendees erupted in loud applause. Another member at the conference said they had experienced demeaning demands from officers to heat their butter so it could be spread, along with shining their cutlery and fetching napkins. Mr Holland, who retired three years ago, said it was clear from members' continued frustration that not much had changed in terms of affording them the dignity they deserve. He said the applause received by speakers on the issue 'just goes to show that those same people are having those same issues now', he told The Irish Times. 'I'm disappointed that in 2025 these practices are still ongoing'. A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said it did not condone any demeaning behaviour by personnel in the execution of their duties. 'We encourage any issues of this nature to be brought to the interim grievance manager, the new independent complaints process, for resolution by an external panel of HR professionals.' The spokesperson added the duties of logistics staff on-board naval ships include 'general cleanliness of tableware and cutlery as well as the cabin and ablutions, as per the captain's standing orders'. 'A ship at sea is the epitome of teamwork in a harsh and challenging environment. The Defence Forces values the service of all of its personnel no matter how they serve the State,' the spokesperson said. Along with the motion to stop personnel catering to senior officers at mealtimes, just under 70 other motions, primarily related to pay and benefits, were passed by delegates. These, according to outgoing PDForra president Mark Keane, represent the multipronged approach the body is taking to tackle corrosive retention issues, as the private sector poaches crucial personnel from their ranks. 'We have recruitment measures, we now want retention measures,' he said before the closure of the three-day conference at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry on Thursday. 'Whether it's an independent pay review for highly-skilled personnel, whether it's the duty payments announced in a review that was contained in the Fine Gael manifesto but never made it into the programme for government.'
RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Navy celebrates new wave of sailors at Passing Out parade
The Irish Naval Service celebrated the graduation of its latest crop of Able Rate sailors at a special Passing Out parade at the service's Haulbowline headquarters in Cork harbour. Commodore Michael Malone said the 20 newly qualified sailors reflected the regeneration of the country's naval service which has witnessed a major fall-off in numbers in recent years. Citing improved pay and conditions, Commodore Malone said there are 30 others in training, and another 60 set to be inducted into the Navy over the coming summer. "We've big numbers coming into the Navy for the regeneration and obviously the ultimate hope is to get them all to sea and bring more vessels to do the work that we do, which is extremely essential at sea," he said. The twenty students, aged between 19 and 34 years, hail from across the country and overseas including from Scotland, the Netherlands, Poland and Bulgaria. "There's just certain benefits over here appeal to me and also, I have Irish heritage as well, so that would make me proud to serve my country over here as well," said Able Rate Conor McConway, who is originally from Glasgow. While Able Rate Adam Chruslak, who is originally from Poland but grew up in Dungarvan, said the Navy is now his family. "Training [was] tough, 24 weeks, but we all got through it, and I'd say this is my family for the rest of my life." The students also come from a variety of backgrounds including cheffing, technical theatre, secondary teacher, metal fabrication and oyster farmer. "I was originally working in films and theatre, and I did a lot of rigging and hauling and stuff and it interested me," Able Rate Sean Cassidy said. He added: "I was freelancing, and I wasn't getting a lot of work, and I thought this is a good, good career. "It'll keep me fit, it will keep me fed, keep me watered and keep me on the straight and narrow, and it has so I'm very happy to be here." Twenty-five year old Able Rate Lee McDonagh, from Crumlin in Dublin was awarded Best Overall Student. An awarding winning chef, he said his training in top ranking restaurants, where kitchens are organised in brigades, prepared him well for the demands of the Ordinary to Able Rate training course. "Similar enough like the brigade system of kitchens, it's very similar. It's actually based off of the military. So, I would say it did help me," he said. His grandmother Evelyn, and parents Gavin and Sorcha, were among the dozens of family members and friends of the Class Alpha 2025 who attended the ceremony. Having enlisted in the service last Autumn, the Able Rates have now completed 12 weeks of intensive training including sea survival skills, damage control, marine firefighting, ship familiarisation and ship protection skills. Following the ceremony, they will commence further specialised training including Seamanship/Gunnery, Mechanical/Engineering and Logistics, before being posted to the fleet as Able Rates. "Ah, sure look, we were told that when you first go out to the ship, it'll be a bit awkward at first, but you'll find your sea legs eventually," Able Rate Colm McMahon Doran said.
The Journal
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
PDFORRA's new boss says young people 'lifeblood' of Defence Forces and need better conditions
THE NEW PRESIDENT of a group representing rank and file military personnel has said that there is a need to confront the inequality in employment entitlements for new members. Araon Kearney, a communications specialist based at Cork's Collins Barracks, was elected today by delegates on the last day of the PDFORRA conference in Kerry. He takes over the presidency from Mark Keane – Kearney's deputy will be Sandra Daly who is a medic in the Irish Naval Service. Kearney said that he was humbled to be elected to lead the representative group. He said the key issue he wants to solve is the problem of people who joined after 2013 having less favourable work place entitlements to their older colleagues. This includes a significantly reduced pension for when they retire. This was a measure introduced during the height of austerity in the wake of the economic crash. 'The post 2013 joiners are the youngest people serving in our organisation, and they're the people that are the lifeblood of the Defence Forces and our group. 'I think it's very, very important that we fight to improve their terms and conditions, because they don't match those who joined before that date. 'They're the people who will be on the coal face of everything for the next 15 or 20 years so we have to put faith in them and fight to have their service recognised,' he said. Kearney said he supported the Tánaiste Simon Harris' comments on the importance of solving the crisis in recruitment and retention . Advertisement Harris had told The Journal on Wednesday when he attended the conference that purchasing of equipment was only part of a 'jigsaw' of solutions and that there was a need to recruit and keep in service people to operate the new kit. Kearney also endorsed the view that there is a need to advance to the highest level of ambition set out in an action plan to increase defence capability. 'As the Minister said it's very important to buy equipment to make sure that we are protected and looked after but if we don't have the people to man the armoured cars, fly the planes and crew the ships, we have nothing. 'We have to invest heavily in our people. And it's great that the minister actually acknowledged that,' he added. Outgoing President Mark Keane on the right hands over the chain of office to new president Araon Kearney. Niall O'Connor / The Journal Niall O'Connor / The Journal / The Journal Outgoing President Mark Keane welcomed the election and looked back at the successes of his tenure at the top of PDFORRA. 'When you look back on it, we started at a historically low place. We've come through difficult times and rebuilt PDFORRA. The organisation has demonstrated that it can deliver for its members, that we are an effective Association. 'We have shown the knowledge we have but also that we have the membership, and we have the grassroots who are willing to put in the hard work, willing to contest these elections, and willing to help each other. It is in the greatest tradition, the whole sense of methal and community, that people want to do this for the right reasons. 'It has been a privilege and an absolute honour to be President of PDFORRA and I enjoyed every moment of it,' he added. He paid tribute to his deputy Donogh Maguire and General Secretary Ger Guinan. 'They've been a great team and a great asset. I'd like to see that continue for the benefit of the associate and especially our members who deserve good representation,' he said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
