Two commencement orders under the Defence (Amendment) Act 2024 were signed this week, appointing the date for the establishment of the statutory body and prohibiting the use of the term “Óglaigh na hÉireann” for a body except where such use is authorised by law.

Professor Brian MacCraith, who has chaired the External Oversight Body since its establishment on a non-statutory basis in April 2023, will be succeeded by Patricia King as it transitions to a statutory body.

Aongus Hegarty, a member of the body since its establishment, is also standing down. The other five members will continue to serve.

New members of the body include Jim Breslin, Liam Doherty and Pat O’Doherty.

The legislation allows for another further member and the Department of Defence says this “is being actively progressed, particularly one with military transformation experience in another jurisdiction”.

Tánaiste and defence minister Micheál Martin said: “I am extremely grateful to both Brian MacCraith and Aongus Hegarty for their outstanding service over the past 18 months as members of the non-statutory body.

“Together with the other members, they have successfully established the External Oversight Body as a critical and highly respected element in driving necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and in increasing transparency and accountability

“This focus of the Body will continue to be unrelenting in this regard and I want to thank Patricia King for agreeing to take on the role as independent Chair for the next four years. 

“She brings a wealth of valuable experience and expertise and I have no doubt she will very effectively build on the excellent work to date.

“The calibre and combined skills and experience of each member of the body gives me every confidence that this will happen.”