A new report outlining a plan aimed at reforming the Defence Forces while welcomed is only a step in the right direction according to a leading security expert.
The plan sets out what has been described as an ambitious programme of work to be completed by 2028.
It covers HR and cultural change, new command and control structures along with the restructuring and reforming of services.
Security and Defence Analyst Declan Power said the report only forms part of what is required to reform the country's defence forces.
"I think this report is a step in the right direction to improve the nation's defence capacity," he said.
"However, it's not the panacea, it's not the magic bullet - it's just a step towards something that should involved a series of steps and a series of additions."
Mr Power said pay and conditions need to be addressed as a priority.
"IF we do not address that we're not going to have the capacity and depth," he said.
"What I mean by that is we can continually keep increasing numbers with recruitment, but they won't stay.
"We need the experienced non-commissioned officers and officers that are the bedrock of ant defence organisation," he added.
'Modern, fit for purpose'
Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin has welcomed the report.
"I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future," he said.
"A great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved.
"A priority within this transformation is cultural change.
"The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is well-resourced, reflective of contemporary Irish society, and a rewarding and attractive career path for new recruits," he added.
