The measure is a part of the strategic plan for modernising the armed forces. The Permanent Defence Forces had a strength of 7,671 as of the end of August 2023, made up of 6,221 Army, 755 Navy, and 695 Air Corps.

The goal is to increase the Permanent Defence Forces' current strength of nearly 9,600 to 11,500 (including civilian staff) by 2028.

Prior to increasing strength to meet the level of ambition resulting from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the immediate focus is on stabilising the number of personnel in the Defence Forces.

The framework states that the maximum enlistment age will rise from 29 to 35 as part of a number of measures to be finished within the following 15 months.

Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste, stated: "As Minister for Defence, I am committed to our Defence Forces' radical reform.

"While there has been significant progress to date, there is undoubtedly still work to be done.

"Cultural change within the Defence Forces is one of my priorities. I want to make sure that it is an equal opportunity employer where all members are treated with dignity and that it is a company that continuously develops to bring about good change.

“I want both internal and external reporting on progress within the Defence Forces.”

“The only thing that will restore the trust and confidence of serving members is clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground.”