Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has committed to addressing recruitment and retention challenges in Ireland’s Defence Forces, describing it as one of his “most important priorities” during his address at PDForra’s annual conference.
Harris revealed he had conducted “a very detailed and frank discussion” with his senior leadership team on Monday about strengthening personnel numbers, which he identified as the military’s most crucial asset. “Where changes are needed, they’ll happen. And where new initiatives are required, they’ll be introduced,” Harris promised attendees.
The Tánaiste acknowledged that achieving the government’s “Level Of Ambition 3” (LOA3) military enhancement goals by 2040—which include equipping the naval service with 12 ships, providing fighter jets to the air corps, and adding significant mechanized components to the army—represents “a mammoth challenge” requiring substantial increases in defence spending.
“Displaying that level of seriousness should not be seen as an option—it’s a necessity,” Harris stated. Currently, the Defence Forces are progressing toward LOA2, which Harris described as “a Scandinavian model.” While noting this year’s defence budget reached record levels, he conceded that previous investment had been from “a low base.”
Harris also announced plans to seek Cabinet approval for extending Irish peacekeeping operations in South Lebanon for another year and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing justice for Private Seán Rooney, who was killed while serving there. “The delays in this case are not acceptable. The Rooney family deserve answers, they deserve accountability,” he said.
PDForra General Secretary Gerard Guinan urged Harris to implement additional improvements to military pay and conditions, calling for “a root-and-branch review of basic pay and duty money,” which was recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces. Guinan noted this recommendation appeared in Fine Gael’s manifesto but was absent from the programme for government, and highlighted concerns about defence personnel being “shortchanged” without premium payments for work outside normal hours.