Minister of state at the Department of the Taoiseach and Defence with special responsibility for defence Paul Kehoe joined us on the show today.
Recruitment, pay and conditions for army personnel as well as retainment of key staff are major concerns according to PDforra - the organisation that represents thousands of military staff.
However, Deputy Kehoe says he's confident of securing more recruits in the year ahead and says the defence forces should be at full strength by the end of 2018.
He also exclusively revealed that medals will be presented to those involved in the siege of Jadotville on December 2nd at the custume barracks Athlone.
Take a listen here