Letters to the Editor: Ireland is vulnerable due to gaps in our defence

'We need advice from our experienced European colleagues. We have to become part of a European defence'

Ray Cawley writes that Ireland spent nearly €30m on 'two little second-hand naval boats from New Zealand', neither which are suitable to operate in the Atlantic. Picture: David Creedon

I read with interest the letter from Kay Chalmers in the Irish Examiner (Saturday, January 24).

As a member of the Irish Defence Forces for 30 years, I have continued, in retirement, to raise issues which I believe need to be addressed by those who are appointed with responsibility for the security of our country and its people.