Fórsa is currently considering the recommendations contained in the Report of the Commission on Defence Forces, which was published last week.

The report, developed over 13 months, includes recommendations on the structures and staffing of both the permanent and reserve defence forces in the immediate future and beyond 2030.

The report has potential implications for Fórsa members who are full-time civil servants and employees of the Irish coast guard.

Fórsa assistant general secretary Pat Ennis said: “Fórsa’s primary concern in this instance is to ensure that there is no change to, or dilution of, the working terms and conditions of our members attached to the coast guard, including career path development opportunities.”

Pat added that there may be benefits for members in some of the recommendations, including a proposed move to the Department of Defence. “On that basis alone the report requires careful analysis and evaluation before we respond,” he said.