Ireland asks a great deal of its Defence Forces cadets. Cadet pay remains the lowest in the Defence Forces, at just €503 per week, compared to €550 for a recruit, rising to €627 after 12 weeks. At a time when the Defence Forces are struggling with recruitment and retention across all ranks, that is a self-inflicted wound. The financial strain of living on cadet pay makes joining the Defence Forces less attractive, potentially limiting the pool of highly motivated candidates. Improving cadet pay is not just a matter of fairness, it is essential to attracting, supporting, and retaining talented personnel in the Defence Forces.

Source: Irish Examiner March 18, 2026 01:01 UTC