Bobby Aylward says the future of the Defence Forces is in grave danger now.
The Carlow/Kilkenny TD says pay and retention issues within the army are being completely ignored.
He was reacting to a recent report by the union representing Commissioned Officers, which found that 80% of recently inducted officers are planning to leave early because of a lack of a career path.
Speaking to KCLR News, Deputy Aylward says they’re being treated terribly by the government and says that it’s something that’s been raised on a number of occasions but nothing’s been done.
He adds “If they don’t wake up we won’t have any army or an army worthwhile talking about”.