PDForra conference: Defence Forces exodus leaves armed services’ strength below minimum set for effectiveness

A significant exodus of personnel from the Defence Forces has occurred this year, leaving the armed services’ strength well below a minimum set by the Government for it to be effective.

The haemorrhaging is reportedly due to symptoms of poor pay and conditions, and it could have serious implications if the border needs to be secured as a result of Brexit negotiations.

Figures obtained by the Irish Examiner show, at of the end of July, there were just over 9,000 personnel in the Defence Forces, nearly 500 short of the minimum requirement. The army is short 34 officers and 232 NCOs, while the air corps has 166 unfilled posts and the naval service requires 38 officers and 94 NCOs.