Minister To Push For Major Spending Boost For Defence Forces

An Independent TD says a major increase in Ireland's defence spending is justified because the country currently can't defend itself properly.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney will bring a memo to cabinet this week outlining what is expected to be the biggest military investment in the history of the state.

Defence spending is set to increase from 1 billion euro a year to 1.5 billion a year by 2028, an annual increase of 50%.

Independent TD and former Army Ranger Cathal Berry says we're vulnerable because we've allowed the issue to slip under the radar.

"A country needs to be able to lock it's own doors and put on it's intruder alarm just like you would at home.

"Currently, we can't do that because we're very vulnerable and very exposed.

"The situation in Eastern Europe has really underlined how reckless we've been with our own security and defense.

"We fought very hard for our independence and sovereignty so it's only right that we're in a position to protect it."

The Minister is set to take steps to introduce pay parity for members of the Defence Forces.

He wants to increase the military service allowance for newer recruits who have less than three years’ service.

Currently newer recruits receive around €4,500 less than their longer term colleagues every year.

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