Are we turning the corner after decade of defence neglect?

We must act decisively, procuring equipment now, even if we don't yet have the personnel to operate it fully, writes Derek Mooney

New helicopters and upgrades to existing equipment in the Defence Forces are all necessary steps, but timing is critical. File Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

For years, I and others — most notably the Defence Forces representative organisations — have been highlighting the critical neglect of Ireland's defence capabilities.

However, while reports of a planned €2bn investment in defence equipment are welcome, it is crucial to understand how we arrived at this point and what challenges still lie ahead.