Defence force numbers down as calls strengthen for better pay

You'd miss us if we weren't there - the message from members of the Defence Forces.

It comes amid calls for significant improvements to their pay and conditions. New figures show numbers have fallen again to 9-thousand and 44 - despite a recruitment campaign in 2016. Meanwhile a statement from the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Wexford TD Paul Kehoe disputes claims that pay and conditions are unsatisfactory. Minister Kehoe points out that an increase of €1,000 was introduced on the 1st of April this year for annulaised salaries of up to €65,000. He also notes that increases of 5-7% for lower paid members are currently under consideration by the Representative Association.