Defence Forces see first recruitment boost in seven years

The Irish Defence Forces experienced growth in 2024, marking the first increase in seven years, with personnel numbers reaching approximately 7,500 across the Army, Naval Service, and Air Corps. This expansion is attributed to the induction of 708 new members, a 69% rise compared to the previous year. Despite this progress, only 5% of the new recruits were women, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving gender balance within the forces.

In response to recruitment and retention issues, the government has implemented several initiatives, including enhanced starting salaries, free private healthcare for all personnel, and a doubling of patrol duty allowances. Additionally, the mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62, and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended. These measures aim to stabilize and grow the Defence Forces, ensuring readiness for potential future deployments.

The government has allocated a record €1.35 billion for defense spending in 2025, with plans to recruit an additional 400 personnel. This investment underscores Ireland’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities amid increasing geopolitical pressures. However, the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) has expressed concerns about the current strength of the Defence Forces, suggesting that large-scale deployments, such as potential peacekeeping missions in Ukraine, may be challenging given existing commitments and resources.

While the recent increase in recruitment is a positive development, the Defence Forces continue to face challenges in retention. Between 2020 and 2024, over 900 personnel left the service within five years of joining, indicating a need for ongoing efforts to improve career satisfaction and longevity within the military.