Regarding grooming standards, Sergeant Major Keith Caffrey, who oversees the Defence Forces, stated that the service is striving to be as forward-thinking as possible while also maintaining operational effectiveness and health and safety.

"Sensibility prevails. The entire paper emphasises that nothing, not even nail polish, earrings, or hairstyle, should take away from the uniform, he told RTÉ's News at One.

He announced that female members would have additional options for hairstyles and a wider variety of nail polish colours.

They were formerly limited to wearing short hair or wearing their hair tied back in a bun with a net.

Sergeant Major Caffrey stated, "Now, ladies can have up to six ways to wear their hairstyles, all of which are depicted in our reference guide."

According to the officer, modifications will also be implemented for male members, who will have the option to apply for beard growth.

He said that they can ask for permission to grow a beard and that they will be watched while it grows.

"They will submit an application to the commander of their unit, and there are specific grounds for denial, especially in an operational setting.

However, candidates may submit an application and will be monitored while growing a beard because some people are unable to grow one.

"And there are regulations in relation to the length of the beard, straight lines under the cheekbones and an inch above the Adam's apple."

According to Sergeant Major Caffrey, tattoos that feature racism, misogyny, or anything that shows drug misuse are prohibited.

He said, it is hoped that the new policies will encourage those who are thinking about joining the armed forces.

Respecting the individual is the key here. letting them be who they are while also controlling them to be a military force."

As stated by Sergeant Major Caffrey, steps must be taken to guarantee that Ireland is represented by the Defence Forces in 2024.

He continued, "Another group is looking at religious and cultural beliefs that will interact with important leaders in communities."

"We need to consider differences between the Ireland that we did know and the Ireland of 2024 ... so we can attract the diverse community that is Ireland today".