Herald Opinion: Ireland stands at a crossroads in its security and defence policies

There has been much discussion about the security of our nation in recent times. Policing demands continue to rise, yet Garda numbers cannot keep pace with Ireland’s growing and changing population. Meanwhile, the Defence Forces face similar challenges, struggling with recruitment, retention, and aging equipment. Ireland stands at a crossroads in its security and defence policies, and the decisions made in the next two years will likely shape the country’s capabilities for decades.

In 2020, An Garda Síochána had 14,002 members. By 2021, this number had increased slightly to 14,289, but it has since declined. By September 2024, just before the general election, the force's strength had fallen to 13,916. This decline is particularly concerning given that in 2020, all major political parties made ambitious promises to increase Garda numbers. Fianna Fáil pledged to expand the force to 16,000 within the government’s term, Fine Gael promised 15,000 Gardaí by 2021, and the Green Party vowed to increase community Gardaí. Yet, none of these targets were met.

In another attempt to boost numbers, the Department of Justice has introduced significant changes to Garda recruitment policies. The maximum entry age has been raised to 50, the height restriction was previously removed, and the stringent fitness test is being relaxed. The question remains: will these changes attract enough recruits, and how suitable will they be? Even if new members join, will they remain in the force long-term?

The recruitment crisis extends beyond policing. The Defence Forces are struggling just as much, if not more, to attract and retain personnel. Ireland’s military has long suffered from poor pay and conditions, leading to an exodus of experienced members.

Outdated equipment compounds this problem. The Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers, the backbone of military transport, are aging and limited in capability. The Irish Navy has been forced to keep ships tied up due to crew shortages, a concerning issue given Ireland’s vast maritime territory, which is vulnerable to drug smuggling and other criminal activity. Recent naval operations have successfully intercepted large drug shipments, demonstrating the tangible impact of a well-resourced force. However, without sufficient personnel, the Navy cannot operate at full capacity.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s airspace remains effectively unprotected. The country lacks air policing capabilities, relying instead on the RAF to intercept potential threats. This dependence raises serious questions about sovereignty and security, particularly amid rising global geopolitical tensions.

There is ongoing debate about increasing Ireland’s military budget beyond €3 billion—it currently stands at €1.25 billion. While a larger budget could modernise equipment, expand capabilities, and improve conditions, would it be enough to address the fundamental issues within the Defence Forces?

The reality is that money alone will not solve recruitment and retention problems. If working conditions do not improve, personnel will continue to feel undervalued, and no amount of funding will attract or retain the people needed to operate a modern defence force. Furthermore, a larger budget must be spent strategically. A well-equipped and fully staffed Navy is essential for protecting Ireland’s waters. The Air Corps requires investment to develop a credible air defence component. The Army must modernise to effectively contribute to international peacekeeping and safeguard national interests.

The biggest challenge to Ireland’s security policy is not just funding or recruitment—it is political will and public support. Defence has never been a major electoral issue in Ireland. Unlike health, housing, or the cost of living, military spending does not directly impact most citizens' daily lives. As a result, it often ranks low on government priorities. Ireland does not even have a dedicated Minister for Defence; the role is merely an addition to Foreign Affairs.

Yet, as security threats evolve, so too must Ireland’s approach to defence and policing. Cybersecurity, maritime security, and airspace protection are no longer theoretical concerns—they are real and pressing issues. The question is whether the Irish public sees security as a priority or whether we will continue to rely on the goodwill and capabilities of others to protect our interests.

Ireland is at a crossroads in policing and defence. The challenges are clear: declining personnel numbers, outdated equipment, and growing security risks. The solutions require more than just financial investment—they demand a strategic vision for what Ireland wants its security forces to achieve.

Policing and military recruitment will only succeed if careers in these sectors are made attractive through better pay, conditions, and long-term opportunities. Equipment must be modernised, but only in a way that aligns with clearly defined national security goals.

Ultimately, Ireland must decide: do we want a stronger, more capable security and defence force, or are we content with maintaining the status quo? This decision is urgent—if Ireland does not act now, its security challenges will only grow, leaving the nation vulnerable.