Seán O'Riordan: Defence Forces may be on the brink of resolving its recruitment crisis 

Ireland’s armed forces have been hamstrung by a shortage of staff but a big increase in salaries —along with subsidies on food and accommodation which cost recruits only €44 a week — is boosting recruitment

Recruits of Naval Recruit Class Bravo 23 conducting dry drills prior to their initial firing of GPMG's at Lynch Camp, Kilworth, Co Cork.  Picture: Denis Minihane

Could 2024 be the year that the Defence Forces finally turns the tide on its long-running retention and recruitment crisis?

Early indications are that personnel numbers are beginning to go in the right direction thanks to increased wages and allowances and the introduction of free healthcare for all military personnel.