Irish Examiner view: At the very least, defence should have a dedicated minister 

On Tuesday we learned that the Irish army’s staffing levels have fallen under 6,000 — the first time that has happened in living memory. Picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

On Tuesday we learned that the Irish army’s staffing levels have fallen under 6,000 — the first time that has happened in living memory.

Up to June 30, the personnel in the army, air corps, and naval service stood at 5,959, 707, and 733, respectively, which means the army has 1,500 fewer soldiers than the absolute minimum it should have.