Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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A ceremony to mark the dedication of the "National Memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State" was held at Merrion Square on Saturday 8th November 2008. The ceremony was led by an tUachtarán, Mrs. Mary McAleese, who laid a wreath at the memorial. The ceremony featured a military parade consisting of members of the Army, the Air Corps, the Naval Service, the Organisation of Ex-Servicemen and the Irish UN Veterans Association. The ceremony was attended by an Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, former Chiefs of Staff, former Ministers for Defence and members of the Oireachtas. A notice was published in the national newspapers, in the week leading up to event, inviting relatives of the deceased and members of the public to attend.

The ceremony included a prayer of dedication delivered by the Head Chaplain to the Forces, one minutes silence and the playing of the Last Post. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem and a fly past by the Air Corps. The memorial, which is situated in a prominent position close to Dáil Éireann and to Government Buildings, is, I believe, a fitting tribute to the memory of the members of the Defence Forces who have given their lives in the service of the State. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha.