Some 1,000 Defence Forces recruits are to be enlisted over the next three years, beginning in the summer, according to the Minister for Defence, Mr Barrett.

They will be recruited on five year contracts to the Army, Naval Service and the Air Corps in the first part of a 10 year modernisation plan. This follows a review by the Efficiency Audit Group, which highlighted issues including a concern about the "rising age profile of military personnel".

The recruitment drive will be held in conjunction with a voluntary early retirement scheme. The Minister has stressed that retirement will be "absolutely voluntary".

All 1,000 recruits will be "privates" and will start on a weekly wage of £164.91 while undergoing a 15 week training programme. After six months they become "private 3 star" and their wages rise to £227.99 a week. According to the Department women will compete on an equal footing. Recruits will be aged between 17 and 27. Some will be offered an extension after their contracts expire.