Sir, – That the Department of Defence is to start work on a strategic defence review is indeed welcome news following on from the Commission on Defence report. However, the continuing crisis regarding retention remains largely unaddressed. Until such time as pay, allowances and pensions are fit for purpose, retention of skilled personnel will remain a problem. Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has made some adjustments to allowances, but the overall package particularly for more senior or skilled personnel remains unattractive.
As threats to the State evolve, so must the Defence Forces. Investment in new equipment and training for personnel is key. Our economic development requires a stable security environment and the resources to protect vital strategic infrastructure. For this, Government must provide an adequate and realistic defence budget. Hopefully after decades of neglect and under investment, Government will start to take defence seriously and provide sufficiently for it. – Yours, etc,
CONOR HOGARTY,
Blackrock,
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Co Dublin.
