Defence Forces struggle to retain personnel in Ireland

The Defence Forces are struggling to attract and keep members, facing challenges in recruitment. Lieutenant Colonel Maeve O'Grady acknowledged that the job market is very competitive, with almost full employment in the country. Over the past 15 years, the number of personnel in the Defence Forces has dropped by about 2,000. In January 2025, there were only 7,497 members compared to 9,480 in 2010. Although recruitment numbers increased from 415 in 2023 to 708 in 2024, the overall strength of the force has been declining for years. Deputy Secretary General Derek Priestley noted the recent uptick in numbers is encouraging but pointed out that many new recruits are still in training. Analysts like Declan Power believe improvements in pay and working conditions have contributed to the growth, but more work is needed. O'Grady stated that recruitment efforts are ongoing, with a goal of hiring over 800 this year. New recruits can earn around €42,000 plus additional benefits like health care and education support. She also highlighted that multiple factors cause people to leave, including private sector job opportunities. Efforts to improve work-life balance are underway. Changes to working hours, agreed upon with the Department of Defence, aim to reduce excessive hours for personnel. Additionally, a new cadet competition for recruits is expected to open soon. Power suggested that reviving the Reserve Defence Forces could help the Defence Forces grow more quickly by allowing individuals with expertise to serve part-time. This could be beneficial, especially during times of need.