10/10/2008
Troops Allowance Escapes Scythe Of Gov Cuts
Irish peacekeeping troops are to receive an increase in allowances despite expected mass public spending cuts.
A previously negotiated increase of 5% to their daily allowance of €23.58 a day, looked in doubt because of spending cuts but Defence Minister Willie O'Dea revealed on Thursday that it would be paid.
The Irish budget next week is expected to deliver an expansive range of cuts, through a variety of public sectors. It is not yet known if military spending will be affected.
Meanwhile, an expensive recruitment drive by the British Army in the Republic has made little impact on the Irish Defence Forces. The intensive drive focused on potential recruits in Ireland, and lasted over a year but it has been revealed between April last year and the end of September, only 24 applicants had signed up.
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea said there were currently five applicants for every vacant post for enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces, while the rate for officers' positions was 25-1.
Lt Gen Earley told the annual conference in Westport of PDFORRA, the representative association for soldiers, sailors and aircrew, that the ongoing need was to attract and enlist the highest quality personnel.
(DW/KMcA)
A previously negotiated increase of 5% to their daily allowance of €23.58 a day, looked in doubt because of spending cuts but Defence Minister Willie O'Dea revealed on Thursday that it would be paid.
The Irish budget next week is expected to deliver an expansive range of cuts, through a variety of public sectors. It is not yet known if military spending will be affected.
Meanwhile, an expensive recruitment drive by the British Army in the Republic has made little impact on the Irish Defence Forces. The intensive drive focused on potential recruits in Ireland, and lasted over a year but it has been revealed between April last year and the end of September, only 24 applicants had signed up.
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea said there were currently five applicants for every vacant post for enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces, while the rate for officers' positions was 25-1.
Lt Gen Earley told the annual conference in Westport of PDFORRA, the representative association for soldiers, sailors and aircrew, that the ongoing need was to attract and enlist the highest quality personnel.
(DW/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 January 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.
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.
07 October 2010
Irish Defence Forces 'Undefunded'
There has been an admission that the Irish defence forces are not being funded as fully as they could be.
Irish Defence Forces 'Undefunded'
There has been an admission that the Irish defence forces are not being funded as fully as they could be.
13 April 2016
Defence Forces Recruitment Campaign Launched
A new recruitment campaign has been launched for the Permanent Defence Forces, by Minister for Defence Simon Coveney. The Defence Forces plan to induct just over 600 general service personnel to the Permanent Defence Force in 2016 and a further 850 personnel in 2017.
Defence Forces Recruitment Campaign Launched
A new recruitment campaign has been launched for the Permanent Defence Forces, by Minister for Defence Simon Coveney. The Defence Forces plan to induct just over 600 general service personnel to the Permanent Defence Force in 2016 and a further 850 personnel in 2017.
10 February 2011
Ó Cuív Denies Galway Military Downgrading
The Galway area will not loose large numbers from its Army base - despite rumours to the contrary. Minister for Defence, Éamon Ó Cuív has denied having any knowledge of plans to downgrade the army barracks in Renmore following reports that over 160 city-based soldiers are to be redeployed to Athlone.
Ó Cuív Denies Galway Military Downgrading
The Galway area will not loose large numbers from its Army base - despite rumours to the contrary. Minister for Defence, Éamon Ó Cuív has denied having any knowledge of plans to downgrade the army barracks in Renmore following reports that over 160 city-based soldiers are to be redeployed to Athlone.
12 September 2013
An Post Honours Irish Defence Forces
The Irish Defence Forces has been honoured in a four stamp set which has been released by An Post today, Thursday 12 September. The 60c set, designed by Zinc Design Consultants, depicts the four branches of the force, Army, Navy, Air Corps and Reserve Defence Force.
An Post Honours Irish Defence Forces
The Irish Defence Forces has been honoured in a four stamp set which has been released by An Post today, Thursday 12 September. The 60c set, designed by Zinc Design Consultants, depicts the four branches of the force, Army, Navy, Air Corps and Reserve Defence Force.