THE Defence Forces has ruled out calls for the suspension of the use of army trucks for moving army personnel following a multi-vehicle collision on the M50 yesterday in which 28 soldiers were injured.

Soldiers’ representatives tonight called for military trucks to be taken off the roads for safety reasons after 28 soldiers were injured in a motorway pile-up.

CONCERNED soldier representatives yesterday warned the €60 million per annum mission to Chad may lead to cuts in Army funds at home.

THERE is a danger that technically talented young people will not be attracted to the Defence Forces because of low pay rates for apprentices, a senior PDFORRA member has warned.

ELECTED representatives of Defence Forces personnel are being victimised by local commanders, it was claimed yesterday.

IRELAND will not be able to honour its commitments to serve in new EU battle groups because of a manpower shortage in the Defence Forces, it was claimed yesterday.

RANK-AND-FILE members of the Defence Forces yesterday welcomed the intervention of Defence Minister Willie O’Dea in relation to an “alarming” report on the impact of extended sea patrols on sailors and their families.

A CABINET decision on whether Ireland signs up to the controversial EU battle groups is likely to be made within weeks.

ARMY representatives fear soldiers who are not capable of taking part in military exercises will be booted out of the Defence Forces.