Damning report on Defence Forces: Staff exodus blamed on poor pay, conditions, and resources

A damning report on the Defence Forces found poor pay, lack of expertise, exhaustion, and Hotel Rwanda-style barracks have led to an exodus, leaving the Army, Naval Service, and Air Corps almost dysfunctional.

Details of dire pay and conditions experienced by soldiers, sailors and airmen are contained in the report carried out by academics from the University of Limerick (UL), which has been obtained by the Irish Examiner.

The report — which took a sample survey of 603 officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and lower ranks in the Defence Forces — shows poor pay is a key issue, but working conditions and low morale are also leading to a brain drain.