Noel O'Flynn
Question:88 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if he will comment on the recent retirement of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24663/09]
View answerTuesday, 23 June 2009
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Lt Gen Pat Nash who recently retired has had a long and distinguished career in Óglaigh na hÉireann — the Irish Defence Forces.
His contribution is perhaps best captured in the Citation from the Distinguished Service Medal that I very recently awarded to General Nash following his successful leadership of the EUFOR mission in Chad. This read: "For distinguished service as Operational Commander of the UN mandated EUFOR TCHAD / RCA Mission, which he led, from initiation to successful conclusion, displaying throughout outstanding qualities of leadership, resourcefulness, resolve and devotion to duty. His leadership, coupled with his diplomatic, communication and negotiation skills, was central to the success of this mission, and earned him widespread praise internationally thereby greatly enhancing the reputation of the Defence Forces in Peace Support operations"
General Nash enlisted in the Defence Forces on 19th October 1964 and was commissioned on 26th September 1966. He served in numerous appointments beginning in the 1st Motor Squadron in 1966 and eventually rising to the post of Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) in 2005.
During his time in the Defence Forces, General Nash served overseas on many occasions and in many locations including, Cyprus, Lebanon and Yugoslavia. His service in these Peacekeeping operations has also been recognised in the range of Decorations that have been awarded to him. Notable among these is the recent award of the "Officier De La Legion d'Honneur".
I wish General Nash every health and happiness in his well-earned retirement.