Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, the Defence Forces have reported a "highly abnormal"  loss in troop numbers.

The Defence Forces have revealed that 891 people left the units in 2022, compared to just 435 inductions.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, there has been an 8% reduction in headcount, with troop numbers reporting a 600 net loss.

On The Pat Kenny Show, Independent TD and former army ranger Cathal Berry said the numbers are further evidence of a "crisis" in the Defence Forces.

"While every other EU country is increasing their defence capability because they recognise the difficult years that lie ahead, Ireland is doing the absolute opposite," he said.

"This is not normal, in fact, it's highly abnormal."

Numbers

Deputy Berry said Government requires a minimum strength should be 10,500 full-time, regular, personnel – but currently only has 7,750 troops.

"We're about 30% below where we should be and as a result, there are major difficulties crewing our ships and crewing our aircraft and crewing our armoured vehicles," he said.

"Ireland is in a very vulnerable and exposed position."

 Defence Forces Personnel, including representatives of the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. 09/04/2023. Photographer: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Deputy Berry said the issues facing the Defence Forces are "very, very basic employment issues".

"The pay is just not what it should be, and the accommodation provided is not good enough," he said.

"Burnout is a major issue because our military personnel are the only employees in the space that don't have access to the European Working Time Directive.

"It's not being implemented and as a result, people are marching with their feet."

Public service

Many Defence Force troops are leaving to join the public service, such as the Prison Service, according to Deputy Berry.

"They will be eminently suitable for the Gardaí for sure, but they're eminently suitable for the Defence Forces as well," he said.

"We need to keep those people in the military."

An Irish Defence Forces arm patch of a soldier in October 2016. Picture by: Andy Gibson / Alamy Stock Photo

Deputy Barry said troops are the "only group of people without a level playing field".

"There's no access to any type of industrial action ... this is why Government and direct ministerial intervention is so important," he said.

Echoing his calls from last week to improve living conditions at the Curragh military camp, Deputy Barry said troops are expected to live in "unsuitable" conditions.

"This is the net result – troops leaving in large numbers because people just get better conditions elsewhere."