The third annual report for the Defence Forces has revealed that over one thousand people left the organisation last year.
Announcing details of the report, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Colm Mangan said that 1004 people, which accounts for 9.4 per cent of personnel, left their jobs last year and were replaced by just 953.
The net loss of personnel was 51 people, but this number, he said, is a "normal turnover" which helps prevent stagnation occurring in the organisation.
Lieutenant General Mangan admitted the figure represents a drain of skills from the organisation, but he said: "all in all we’re enthusiastic about the direction the Defence Force is going in".
A cross-media campaign launched in January this year is hoped to encourage new members to join the force, which Lieutenant General Mangan said, is now facing strong competition from other industries for a high standard of personnel.
The annual report also revealed that €27m was spent on defence equipment last year, which included the Naval vessel LE Niamh, at a cost of €25m and 32 Mowag Pirhana Armoured Personnel Carriers, which are now being used in peacekeeping operations in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
€54.61m was also spent on capital investment projects that include a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and ordnance and logistical stores at the Curragh training centre.
The report also highlighted work done in relation to revelations of "unacceptable levels" of sexual harassment and bullying within the Defence Forces.
Lieutenant General Mangan said the problem only came to light in autumn 2001, following which an independent report was compiled by behavioural science expert Dr Eileen Doyle. It was published earlier this year.
An equality commission has since been established and Lieutenant General Mangan says, "it is having an impact" and the problem is now "resolutely rectified". "People can be reassured by our response to the problem," he said.