Defence Forces numbers nearly a quarter below the minimum

The Representative Association of Commissioned Officers heard that officers currently serving in training institutions are working 17 hours above the average working week in the civil service. File photo: Sam boal/RollingNews.ie

The latest figures show there are just 7,399 personnel in the Defence Forces which is 77% of the minimum they should have.

There are also fears it will be an uphill battle for the Government to reach its target of 11,500 within four years.