Defence Forces
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-17
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Duncan Smith (LAB), Dublin Fingal East

The Minister's response sounds positive enough in its outlook. However, when this decision was made, the statement released by the Department of Defence stated:
Ireland is a signatory to the European Social Charter and is committed to upholding its principles. The State respects the role of the ECSR and the Minister will examine its conclusions in conjunction with EU and national obligations, while noting that the reports of the ECSR are not binding on respondent states.
Those last five or six words seem like a get-out clause from making good on the recommendations of the ECSR. We have had modest increases in Defence Forces numbers, but they are nowhere near where they need to be. We know from speaking to Defence Force members and potential members that pay and overall conditions are still a barrier to recruitment and retention.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:38+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-17