Micheál Martin admits 'extreme' challenge to get Defence Forces numbers to 11,500

The finalisation of the report is a further step in the transformation of the country's Defence Forces.

Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin has admitted it will be "extremely challenging" to meet a target to increase the Defence Forces to 11,500 members.

Under the terms of the newly published ‘Detailed Implementation Plan for Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces', the Government intends to increase the permanent forces across the army, naval service and air corps to 11,500 by 2028.