PDFORRA question budget allocation for Defence and call for clarification that numbers will not be reduced further
PDFORRA, the association representing soldiers, sailors and aircrew of the Defence Forces, have called on the Minister for Defence to re-affirm that the cuts to the Defence Forces will be limited to the 500 set by Government recently. PDFORRA has raised this concern following publication of budget figures which it says point to a greater level of cuts.
Gerry Rooney, General Secretary PDFORRA said today, “PDFORRA is concerned that if monies to meet a payroll of 10,000 are not in place than further cuts are inevitable and unacceptable. The McCarthy recommendations provided for the Defence Forces to be reduced in strength to 10,000 over three years. In fact it has been achieved three years early”.
The figures published in the 2010 Estimates for the Public Services show a deduction of €46·81m in payroll and related adjustments section. PDFORRA estimate that €30m of this figure is related to the reduction in Permanent Defence Force numbers to 10,000 and pay cuts
Gerry Rooney also said “PDFORRA are calling on the Minister for Defence to re-affirm Government policy that Defence Forces strength will be 10,000 and provide the funding necessary for this. Any other action by Government will be a slight on the members of the Defence Forces who have endured pay cuts, number reductions and provided improved service – most recently during the severe winter weather conditions”.
ENDS
Further information contact:
Gerry Rooney, General Secretary, PDFORRA, 087 2572551, for interview
Wally Young, Young Communications, 01 6680530, 087 2471520