The level of anger and frustration within the Defense Forces is “extraordinary”, it has been claimed.
Micheál Martin made the comments after the former head of the Army Ranger Wing heavily criticized government policies, poor pay and retention issues within the Defense Forces.
Retired Commandant Cathal Berry claimed the Defense Forces are being “dismantled and demoralized”, adding that the betrayal is “palpable”.
The Fianna Fáil leader told the Dáil on Wednesday that this level of criticism is “unprecedented”.
“The depth of anger, frustration and despair and sense of betrayal within our military families and communities is at an extraordinary level,” Mr Martin said.
“Families who generationally have contributed so much to our democracy, our peace-keeping overseas, and have such pride in the history of our Defense Forces cannot comprehend what is actually happening to them.
The lack of morale, the retention crisis in the Army and Navy has reduced its capacity and strength to an all-time low
He claimed that Navy ships have been unable to sail because of a lack of crew, and that up to 50 sailors have been forced to sleep on board naval ships because they cannot afford “soaring” rents.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admitted that Mr Berry’s comments were a stinging criticism.
“Sometimes government needs to hear criticism and sometimes the government needs to take it on board,” he added.
Speaking during leaders’ questions he claimed that hundreds of new people are being recruited into the Defense Forces every year but said there is a “real problem” with retention.
“More people are leaving than coming in and that’s something that I have acknowledged in the past,” he said.
“This year, we are investing an extra 50 million euro in our defense forces.
“It’s going into new vessels, new aircraft, new equipment, better and improved barracks and also improved pay and pensions for the defense forces and retired members.”
Figures show there are just over 8,900 members of the Defense Forces.
Mr Varadkar said that a report by the Independent Pay Commission has looked at issues around pay and conditions.
The report is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
“We are serious about responding to the retention difficulties that we have in our Defense Forces,” he added.
Mr Martin said the issue ran “far deeper” than the public service commission adding that people are leaving the Army “in their droves”.
“We need strong, proud, healthy and dynamic Defense Forces where morale is high and personnel are attracted to stay,” he added.
“It is at a very dangerous level. I have spoken to officers and they are at pains to point out how dangerous this is.”
Mr Varadkar said they are tied to the public sector pay agreement and that any pay increases would apply to the Defense Forces.
“They are part of the public sector deal and that means full restoration of the pay for almost everyone in the Defense Forces by October of next year,” he added.
“We accept there are particular issues that are particular to the Defense Forces.”