Some army officers with young children may be forced to seek Family Income Supplement because they can’t afford to travel to new postings due to the disbanding of a brigade.

Government TDs have urged Defence Minister Alan Shatter to revisit the decision to disband the army’s Western Brigade.

LAST December, Defence Minister Alan Shatter decided that, as a result of a cut in the maximum permitted strength of the Defence Forces from 10,500 to 9,500, a reorganisation would take place including a reduction in army brigades from three (with headquarters in Dublin, Cork and Athlone) to two.

Fears are growing for the future of the 477-strong 4th Infantry Battalion at Collins Barracks in Cork amid strong indications the unit is to be disbanded as part of a Defence Forces overhaul.