Defence Forces to recruit 1,600 as pay levels are set to increase

Minister of state Paul Keogh has announced measures which he hopes will stem an exodus of personnel from the Defence Forces.

He stated 800 personnel will be recruited before the end of this year and a similar number in 2018 which would bring the Defence Forces back to its proper strength of 9,500 personnel.

Mr Keogh, who has responsibility for Defence, said pay will be increased for a newly qualified three-star private to €27,000 a year and he hoped to get further increases through the Public Service Pay Commission, which will conduct a comprehensive examination and analysis of underlying difficulties in recruitment and retention.