07/01/2019

Govt Accused Of Failing Irish Defence Forces At Home

The government has been accused of failing Irish Defence Forces and their families in Ireland.

Calling for more domestic support, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, said: "The Taoiseach and Minster for Defence are travelling this week to witness at first hand the excellent job the Defence Forces do as part of peace keeping missions.

"There is no doubt that the government will laud the work and professionalism of soldiers doing dangerous but necessary peace keeping work and delivering humanitarian aid, yet these same soldiers are not supported at home and their families struggle to survive.

"Members of the Defence Forces and their families need more than words. The government must pay a fair wage to support their families and provide a home in return for their service.

"Today on RTÉ Radio, a representative of PDFORRA felt unable to recommend a career in the Defence Forces due to the terms and conditions, and he also highlighted that around ten percent of the forces were leaving annually. That is completely unsustainable."

(MH/CM)

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