Irish Examiner view: Defence Forces staffing levels being stifled

The viability of our army, navy, and air force is a worrying national issue

Defence Minister Simon Coveney inspecting the guard at the Defence Forces official recruitment rebrand launch in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

It has been clear for some time that the viability of the Defence Forces is a worrying national issue. Underfunding, staff crises, poor equipment, and failing recruitment are just some of the major issues facing our army, navy, and air force.

On February 9, 2022, the Commission on the Defence Forces released an unambiguous and blunt report on the state of the country’s defence capabilities. Its findings were much lauded and commented upon as it found that the extant expenditure levels left the State without a credible military capability to protect the country.

Subsequently, in July, the Government published its high-level action plan in response to the commission’s findings, promising increased funding of €500m over the next six years. It admitted this would only allow the Defence Forces to provide only a limited response to incursion or attacks. A high-level implementation plan is due to be published this month.

Geopolitical volatility

The current level of geopolitical volatility has created an imperative to ensure delays in the implementation of the enhancement of Ireland’s defence capabilities are minimised and stated Government aims were, at least, a step in the right direction.

As highlighted in this newspaper, staffing levels across the three branches of the Defence Forces are being stifled. In our modern world, the State has to be able to protect itself from myriad threats; without proper staffing within the Defence Forces, it will not be able to do so. Corrective action is needed. Platitudinal words are no longer acceptable.