Simon Harris says improving recruitment and retention in Defence Forces one of his 'most important priorities'

Simon Harris said he had met with his senior leadership team on Monday 'for a very detailed and frank discussion about how we can do more' to address these issues, as personnel are the Defence Forces' most vital asset. Picture Colin Keegan/ Collins

Simon Harris has said he is prepared to do whatever it takes to improve retention and recruitment in the country’s military, but admitted achieving ‘Level Of Ambition 3’ for enhanced equipment like fighter jets would be “a mammoth challenge".

The Tánaiste and minister for defence told PDForra’s annual conference that addressing recruitment and retention was one of his “most important priorities”.