The Defence Forces’ have advised that apart from their participation in an episode of the podcast series, 'The Two Johnnies', broadcast earlier this year, they have not utilised social media influencers for recruitment or communications purposes, nor have any requests been made to the Minister or her predecessor for the use of social media influencers for these purposes.
In addition, and further to the response of my predecessor to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 17 June 2025, I wish to reiterate that the Defence Forces is an apolitical organisation and does not endorse the individual views of any person. Consideration of commercial arrangements with any organisation or entity take into account potential conflicts of interest. However subsequent actions by an individual, organisation or entity after an arrangement is concluded cannot be anticipated by the Defence Forces.
Personal social media accounts of members of the Defence Forces and their digital media presence are not part of the official communications of the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces have robust social media policies in place to provide guidance on how to ensure members maintain an accurate, appropriate and apolitical presence on personal social media accounts.
All Defence Forces personnel are directed not to comment on any issue relating to controversial, sensitive or political matters which would be incompatible with service in the Defence Forces and are directed not to attempt to speak or be interpreted as speaking on behalf of the Defence Forces.
