Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday (Wednesday) announced the appointment of Cloonfad native, Commandant Caroline Burke to the position of Aide de Camp to An Taoiseach.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Varadkar said: “I would like to sincerely congratulate Comdt. Burke on her appointment and I wish her every success in her important new role.”
Comdt. Burke joined the Defence Forces in 1995 and she has most recently served in the Operations Division. She also holds a BSc in Sports and Exercise and a Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science.
Comdt. Burke has also served on United Nations Peace Keeping Missions in the Balkans, West Africa and the Middle East.
Speaking after the announcement, Comdt Burke said: “I am delighted to be appointed to my new role. It is a huge honour to represent the Office of the Taoiseach and the Defence Forces and I greatly look forward to carrying out the duties and engagements that the role involves.”
The duties of Aide-de-camp to the Taoiseach involve attending to him when required and at certain formal functions and to represent him on occasions such as funeral ceremonies, when it is not practicable for the Taoiseach to be present personally.
Senator Frank Feighan was among those to offer his congratulations to the Taoiseach’s new Aide de Camp.
“I wish to extend my best wishes to Caroline, who has just been appointed as the new Aide de Camp to An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. This is a great honour for her and her family.
“I understand Caroline is a former player with the Michael Glavey’s club, which was the footballing home of the late, great Dermot Earley and former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
“I wish Caroline, who has already carved out a very distinguished army career, the very best in her role as Aide de Camp to the Taoiseach.”
