Defence Forces lost 20% of its workforce in two years, Dáil committee told

Retention issues have coincided with a difficult 18 months for the Defence Forces. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The Defence Forces lost 1,646 members, or the equivalent of 20% of its workforce, in 2022 and 2023.

Secretary general of the Department of Defence Jacqui McCrum told the Public Accounts Committee 891 people had left the Defence Forces in 2022, and a further 755 in 2023 — losses representing some 21% of its active service roster of 7,550 as at the end of 2023.