Around 1,300 soldiers receiving supplementary welfare payments - PDFORRA
Around 1,300 members of the Defence Forces are receiving supplementary social welfare payments, according to their representative association.
PDFORRA, which represents soldiers, sailors and air force personnel, said around 20% of its members are on family income supplement because they cannot support their families on their current wages.
The association said Defence Forces personnel have taken cuts of up to 20% in their salaries.
Association President Mark Scally told the PDFORRA annual conference in Wexford today that it was nonsensical to first cut pay only to then hand the money back in the guise of social welfare.
The association also said that the Defence Forces do not have sufficient personnel or resources to carry out its duties.
It pointed to the fact that three out of the eight naval service vessels are being repaired and out of service.
Minister for Defence Alan Shatter is due to address the conference this evening.
PDFORRA, which represents soldiers, sailors and air force personnel, said around 20% of its members are on family income supplement because they cannot support their families on their current wages.
The association said Defence Forces personnel have taken cuts of up to 20% in their salaries.
Association President Mark Scally told the PDFORRA annual conference in Wexford today that it was nonsensical to first cut pay only to then hand the money back in the guise of social welfare.
The association also said that the Defence Forces do not have sufficient personnel or resources to carry out its duties.
It pointed to the fact that three out of the eight naval service vessels are being repaired and out of service.
Minister for Defence Alan Shatter is due to address the conference this evening.
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