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Foreign-born recruits make up 13 to 18 per cent of new Defence Forces personnel since 2022 as the military targets 11,500 members by 2028.
The Defence Forces are increasingly recruiting foreign-born troops as the military works towards a target strength of 11,500 by 2028, with between 13 and 18 per cent of new recruits since 2022 born outside Ireland, according to data obtained by The Irish Times. Between 2022 and the first half of this year, 2,762 recruits joined the military, of whom 362, or 13 per cent, are confirmed as non-Irish-born.
However, the true figure may be higher. Country of birth is not recorded for a significant minority of new personnel, and when those recruits are included, just over 18 per cent of new soldiers, sailors and aircrew since 2024 were born outside Ireland.
Prospective soldiers do not have to be Irish citizens, but candidates must have the right to live and work in Ireland on a long-term basis. In practice, this means the organisation is open to EU citizens, people with refugee status and those who have held Stamp 4 Visas for the previous five years.
Diversity Push Follows 2022 Commission
The Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022 recommended increasing diversity within the organisation. A Defence Forces Inclusion Office has since been established, and officers have met representatives of minority groups to discuss removing barriers to enlistment.
Most foreign-born recruits come from the EU, but in recent years there has been an increase in recruits from outside the bloc. Contrary to online rumours, recruitment does not occur in direct provision centres, as asylum seekers are not eligible for military service, the Defence Forces said.
Military management mostly views the growing number of foreign-born troops as a positive development. A spokesman pointed out that demographics in Ireland are changing generally and the organisation is reflecting this.
Inclusion is essential in any organisation adapting to changing environments, the spokesman said, adding that it enhances innovation and serves as a force multiplier, driving greater effectiveness.
Operational Hurdles for Non-Irish Personnel
The increase in foreign-born troops has nonetheless presented some operational difficulties, sources say. Some members do not have an Irish passport, meaning they sometimes cannot obtain travel documents required for overseas service, leaving them unable to serve on certain peacekeeping missions.
The issue has been repeatedly raised by the bodies representing Defence Forces personnel. There have also been calls for citizenship fees to be reduced or waived for serving members of the military.
The Government is currently considering a recommendation from the Commission on Defence to fast-track citizenship for serving personnel. Currently, immigrants must wait nine years before applying, while the proposals under consideration are similar to the system in operation in the United States, which allows military members with one year of service to apply for citizenship.
One recent recruit, Private Al Cheikh, wore his Army uniform to his citizenship ceremony last month in County Kerry. He said he came to Ireland from Syria in 2019 and that, as a member of the Defence Forces and an Irish citizen, he felt very proud of how far he had come, describing it as a moment he would always remember.
The data was provided following a Freedom of Information request. The figures underscore how the Defence Forces are adapting recruitment practices as they seek to meet ambitious staffing targets, while balancing the operational demands of overseas missions with the legal status of personnel.
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