Will the Defence Forces turn the tide in 2023?

Turning the tide on the continuing decline in the Defence Forces is likely to prove a daunting task for Micheál Martin, writes Defence Correspondent Sean O’Riordan

Army strength has dropped to just over 6,500, which is 1,000 less than it should be, and it's struggling badly to maintain operational commitments at home and fill overseas units. File picture: Kieran Clancy

Former Minister for Defence Simon Coveney proclaimed 2023 will be the “turn the tide” year for the Defence Forces, bolstering its ever-depleting numbers and bringing it eventually up to the 11,500 personnel required.

It's an ambitious assumption, one which many in the country’s military believe is all but totally unachievable unless there are major incentives introduced to stop experienced staff leaving. Or, unless - God forbid - the world goes to war, or there is a massive recession in this country. The latter traditionally benefits recruitment in the Defence Forces.