Defence Forces all below strength; seeking to fill 469 vacancies

New figures highlight the stark reality of the Defence Forces desperately trying to keep operating with a dearth of personnel across all ranks. The army is supposed to have an ‘establishment’ (minimum) strength of 7,520, but at the end of last month this was down to 7,061 and therefore is seeking to fill 459 vacancies.

The air corps is supposed to have 886 personnel, but has 708, leaving it short 178 people. The naval service, which had to tie up two ships recently because of crew shortages, has an establishment strength of 1,094, but is down to 955, meaning its operating without 139 personnel.