A €1.23b package is lacking in retention measures, according to a midlands TD.
The only measures delivered for the Defence Forces in the Budget are "heartache and false hope."
Kildare South TD Cathal Berry has slammed the €1.23b package for the defence sector, part of which will be used to fund 400 more military personnel.
He claims there were "absolutely no retention measures" announced in Budget 2024, which he fears will hinder the sector's ability to carry out operations in 12 months time.
The Independent Deputy and former Army Ranger is urging the government to implement "its own report," which outlines a reform to the Defence Forces:
See Deputy Berry's full statement in the Dáil below: