Helen McEntee admits end of peacekeeping mission in Lebanon will likely lead to exodus from Defence Forces
Irish Defence Minister Helen McEntee has acknowledged that the end of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon will likely lead to a significant exodus of personnel from the Defence Forces. The government is struggling with recruitment and retention, with current projections suggesting the force will fall short of its 2028 staffing targets.
Why it matters
The loss of overseas peacekeeping opportunities is identified as a primary driver for personnel turnover, threatening the operational capacity and recruitment goals of the Irish military.
Defence minister Helen McEntee contended that the number of Defence Forces personnel is likely to fall once the Lebanon mission wraps up. File picture: Ireland2026eu/PA
Defence minister Helen McEntee has admitted there will likely be an exodus from the Defence Forces once the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon comes to an end.
Some 450 Defence Forces personnel are expected to retire or leave the force next year, a turnover of 7.5%.
Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers told the Dáil during Budget 2027 speeches that funding would provide for an intake of 850 new permanent Defence Forces members.
This will provide for 400 brand new personnel members, with 450 other roles filled due to departures of existing staff members.
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