Ireland's new international role with the UN 'at risk due to its inadequate defence capabilities' A leading expert has warned that Ireland is potentially vulnerable to threats to our seas and airspace because of its lack of defensive capabilities. Dr Patrick Keatinge said issues such as inadequate recruitment and retention of personnel are challenging the capacity of the Irish Defence Forces to "follow through" the country's newly enhanced international role as an elected member of the UN Security Council. Picture: Neil Michael Mon, 15 Feb, 2021 - 20:30 Cormac O’Keeffe Ireland’s new international status with its two-year stint on the UN Security Council is being put at risk because of the “capacity” of the Defence Forces, the “material conditions” of its members, and the need for organisational reform, a leading expert has warned.