They’re Serious, We're Serious: Disband the Army - says Allen Meagher

The Government called in July 2013 for submissions on the future role of the ROI's Defence Forces. 
'Changing Ireland' editor Allen Meagher called for their near-abolition after the Celtic Tiger died and the Community & Voluntary Sector began to take the brunt of the worst budget cuts from 2009 onwards. 
Even today, those wishing to join NATO could endorse this proposal. Iceland is a NATO member. Where is Iceland's army? It doesn't have one.

Meagher's original article:

It would have been inconceivable a year ago to propose something as drastic as this, but the harm caused by closing down community resources to the degree proposed by the Government’s Bord Snip report is greater than the loss we’d incur by disbanding the army, navy and air corps:

Colm McCarthy missed an opportunity: Follow Iceland’s example and disband the army, navy and air corps.

Iceland maintains a small coastguard service and is a member of NATO without contributing personell.

The Department of Defence spends €1billion per annum out of the State’s budget total of €45billion. Well, we’ve never been at war with anyone, the border is gone, the UN will get by without our military expertise and the banks can hire armed escorts privately.